Lieutenant General Vineet Sharma, Director General Dental Services (DGDS) and Colonel Commandant of the Army Dental Corps, recently conducted an important review of dental healthcare facilities during his visit to the 3 Corps Dental Unit and the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic in Dimapur. The visit centered on the ongoing modernization efforts, infrastructure improvements, and outreach programs aimed at enhancing the delivery of high-quality oral healthcare to active service personnel, veterans, and their families in the region.
During the inspection, Lt Gen Sharma evaluated the operational capabilities and readiness of the dental unit, ensuring that these facilities adequately meet the healthcare requirements of troops stationed under the 3 Corps’ Area of Responsibility. Special emphasis was placed on the ECHS Polyclinic, which is integral in providing medical services to ex-servicemen. This review is particularly timely in light of the Ministry of Defence’s initiative set to commence in November 2024, which aims to expand healthcare services for veterans by establishing 21 new ECHS polyclinics and upgrading 50 existing ones across the country.
In high-level discussions with Lt Gen AS Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Corps, and Maj Gen Vijay Jotwani, Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Sharma reiterated the Indian Army’s sustained commitment to veteran welfare and the development of health infrastructure in remote and strategically significant areas like Nagaland. These interactions highlighted the importance of collaborative leadership in maintaining the Army’s exceptional standards of medical care.
The visit was punctuated by symbolic gestures, including ceremonial exchanges and a group photograph with the dental unit staff, reflecting the collective dedication of the Army Dental Corps and regional command leadership. Lt Gen Sharma’s engagement with healthcare professionals and staff underscored the critical importance of morale, medical readiness, and a patient-centric approach within military healthcare frameworks.
This initiative reflects the broader vision of the Indian Army to sustain a robust and inclusive healthcare network, particularly in frontier regions. The ongoing efforts of the Army Dental Corps in areas such as oral health awareness, clinical excellence, and preventive care serve as a crucial foundation of this mission, ensuring that the force remains fit, prepared, and supported both during and post-service.
