Surgeon Vice Admiral Vivek Hande, Director General (Organisation and Personnel), Armed Forces Medical Services, visited Udhampur Military Station on 08 May 2026 to review medical preparedness and healthcare services being provided to serving personnel, veterans and their dependents.
During the visit, the Flag Officer visited Command Hospital, Northern Command, and Command Military Dental Centre. He reviewed the operational preparedness of the medical establishments, with a focus on trauma care capabilities, tertiary healthcare services and the overall readiness of medical teams supporting troops in a challenging operational environment.
The visit provided an opportunity to assess the facilities and systems in place for delivering timely and effective medical care to combatants, ex-servicemen and families. Command Hospital, Northern Command, plays a vital role in providing advanced medical support in the region, particularly due to the operational importance of the Northern Command area.

Surgeon Vice Admiral Hande was briefed on various innovations, training initiatives and best practices being undertaken at the hospital. These included measures aimed at improving patient care, strengthening emergency response, enhancing combat medical support and ensuring high standards of professional readiness among medical personnel.
As part of the visit, he addressed Medical, Dental and Nursing Officers of the garrison. In his address, he shared the vision and key result areas of the Office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services. His interaction focused on the importance of professional excellence, preparedness, compassion and continuous improvement in military healthcare delivery.

The Flag Officer appreciated the dedication and commitment of the medical fraternity serving in the region. He lauded the “Dhruva Healers” for their unwavering service, operational readiness and ability to deliver effective combat medical support throughout the year despite demanding conditions.
The visit highlighted the crucial role of the Armed Forces Medical Services in sustaining the health, morale and fighting efficiency of troops deployed in operationally sensitive areas. It also reaffirmed the commitment of military medical institutions to provide quality healthcare to combatants, veterans and their dependents.

Surgeon Vice Admiral Vivek Hande’s visit to Udhampur Military Station served as an important review of medical readiness and a morale booster for the officers and staff working in the field of military medicine. It reflected the continued focus of the Armed Forces Medical Services on preparedness, innovation and compassionate care in support of the nation’s defenders.
