Port Blair, April 15, 2025 – Air Marshal MS Sridhar, Deputy Chief (Medical) of the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), conducted a comprehensive review of the medical establishments under the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC). The visit focused on evaluating and enhancing the medical infrastructure and facilities across key locations, including Sri Vijaya Puram, Campbell Bay, Carnicobar, and Diglipur.
The review aimed to strengthen the overall medical care delivery system in the region, with a particular emphasis on improving medical evacuation (Medevac) capabilities. Given the strategic importance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and their geographical isolation, efficient Medevac systems are vital for ensuring timely medical support for military personnel stationed in these remote areas. The initiative also sought to synergize tri-services efforts by optimizing the use of medical resources across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
During his visit, Air Marshal Sridhar received detailed briefings on the existing medical infrastructure and the challenges faced by healthcare providers in the region. He also inspected facilities to assess their operational readiness and capacity to handle medical emergencies, including the potential for rapid response in crisis situations.
As part of the visit, Air Marshal Sridhar met with Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, the 17th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN), to discuss strategies for medical supplementation. The discussions highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to bolster healthcare services, ensuring that personnel stationed in this strategically critical region have access to robust medical support.
The Andaman & Nicobar Command, established in 2001, is India’s only tri-services command and plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the country’s interests in Southeast Asia and the Strait of Malacca. This review underscores the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to enhancing operational readiness and welfare through improved medical care in one of the nation’s most remote and strategically significant regions.
