Surgeon Rear Admiral Vivek Hande, VSM, Senior Consultant (Medicine) at the Office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), conducted a pivotal visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANCOM) on January 30, 2025. This visit was focused on assessing the medical infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and operational readiness of medical establishments within this strategically significant island territory.
During his tour, Surgeon Rear Admiral Hande thoroughly reviewed several key medical institutions, including INHS Dhanvantri, GB Pant Hospital, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS). He engaged directly with hospital staff, medical officers, and healthcare professionals, gathering firsthand insights into both the challenges and advancements in medical services across the command.
At INHS Dhanvantri, the premier naval hospital in the region, the Admiral interacted with patients and healthcare providers, underscoring the importance of collaborative medical expertise and the continuous training and knowledge exchange required to enhance healthcare outcomes. He praised the dedicated efforts of medical personnel who strive to deliver high-quality care to both military personnel and civilians in the area.
In his discussions, Surgeon Rear Admiral Hande stressed the necessity for healthcare professionals to continually upgrade their skills to keep pace with evolving medical technologies and new treatment protocols. He emphasized the importance of medical preparedness, calling for the strengthening of emergency response capabilities, the enhancement of critical care services, and the assurance of state-of-the-art medical equipment availability to address potential medical contingencies in the region.
Given the geographical positioning and operational significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Command for the Armed Forces, efficient and well-equipped healthcare facilities are critical for maintaining the health and readiness of personnel stationed in the territory.
This visit highlighted the Armed Forces Medical Services’ ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare standards, fostering medical advancements, and improving patient care in remote and operationally significant locations. Insights and recommendations from this visit are expected to play a crucial role in further bolstering medical infrastructure and preparedness throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
