Air Marshal MS Sridhar, the Deputy Chief (Medical) of the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), recently conducted a thorough review of the medical establishments operating under the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC). The visit, which took place on April 15, 2025, centered on assessing and improving the medical infrastructure and facilities at several key locations, including Sri Vijaya Puram, Campbell Bay, Carnicobar, and Diglipur.
The primary objective of the review was to strengthen the medical care delivery system within the region. A significant focus was placed on enhancing medical evacuation (Medevac) capabilities. Given the strategic significance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands along with their geographical isolation, the establishment of efficient Medevac systems is crucial for providing timely medical assistance to military personnel stationed in these remote locations. The initiative aims to integrate efforts across the tri-services, enhancing the utilization of medical resources among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
During his visit, Air Marshal Sridhar received comprehensive briefings about the current state of medical infrastructure and the various challenges that healthcare providers face in the region. He conducted inspections of different facilities to evaluate their operational readiness and capacity to manage medical emergencies, particularly focusing on their ability to respond quickly in crisis situations.
In addition to these activities, Air Marshal Sridhar engaged in discussions with Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, the 17th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN). Their discussions revolved around strategies to enhance medical support services, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to ensure that military personnel stationed in this strategically vital region receive robust healthcare.
Established in 2001, the Andaman & Nicobar Command is India’s only tri-services command and holds a crucial role in protecting the country’s interests in Southeast Asia and the strategically important Strait of Malacca. This recent review highlights the Indian Armed Forces’ steadfast commitment to improving operational readiness and the welfare of personnel through enhanced medical care in one of the nation’s most remote and strategically significant territories.
