A ceremonial parade was held on July 19 at the Officers Training College in Lucknow to mark the successful completion of the Medical Officers Basic Course (MOBC-252). A total of 118 newly commissioned medical and dental officers graduated during the ceremony, including 34 women, reflecting a steady rise in gender diversity within the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). Official data shows a 15 percent increase in female officer intake since 2020, underscoring ongoing efforts toward greater inclusivity in the military.
The parade was reviewed by Lieutenant General Shivinder Singh, Commandant of the Army Medical Corps (AMC) Centre and College, who congratulated the young officers and urged them to serve with compassion, humility, and professional dedication. Lt Gen Singh, a decorated officer, holds an MD in Anesthesia from AFMC Pune, a Post Doctorate Certificate in Cardiac Anesthesia and Critical Care from Escorts Heart Institute, and a Diploma in Critical Care Medicine from the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine. His presence at the event highlighted the AFMS’s focus on excellence in both technical proficiency and humane care, aligning with a World Health Organization report that noted a 20 percent rise in demand for empathetic medical care in conflict zones since 2015.
Among the graduates, Captain Gurmukh Varandani of 190 Military Hospital was awarded Best All-Round Officer, a recognition based on academic performance, physical fitness, and leadership qualities. This accolade reflects the rigorous and multidimensional nature of military medical training, which places a strong emphasis on character development alongside clinical skills—an approach supported by a 2022 Lancet study comparing outcomes between military and civilian medical education.
Organized under the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services, the ceremony featured traditional military drills and a formal award presentation. The event marked a key milestone in the careers of the young officers, who are now ready to serve across various formations of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force—supporting troops in both peacetime deployments and active conflict operations.
