Pune, November 7, 2026: Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, Chief of Staff, Southern Command, visited the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, on November 6, 2026, to review the institution’s advanced healthcare capabilities, medical research initiatives and specialised training infrastructure.
During the visit, the General Officer interacted with Surgeon Vice Admiral Manish Honwad, Director and Commandant of AFMC Pune, and received a comprehensive briefing on the institution’s distinguished legacy, achievements in military medicine, ongoing research programmes and medical education initiatives.
The interaction highlighted the important role played by AFMC in strengthening the healthcare capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces and developing highly skilled medical professionals to meet the evolving requirements of military healthcare.
Lt Gen Ajay Kumar was briefed on the institution’s advanced medical training facilities and its continuing efforts to integrate modern technologies, research and innovative teaching methodologies into military medical education.
As part of his visit, the Chief of Staff toured several important facilities at AFMC, gaining insights into the institution’s specialised training infrastructure and research capabilities.
Among the facilities visited was the Health Training Assessment Centre, which supports the evaluation and development of healthcare-related skills and competencies among medical professionals.
The General Officer also visited the War Surgery Museum, which showcases aspects of combat-related medical care, battlefield injuries and the evolution of military surgical practices. The museum serves as an educational resource for understanding the challenges associated with treating casualties in operational environments.
At the Surgical Skills Lab, Lt Gen Ajay Kumar reviewed facilities designed to enhance practical surgical training and improve the technical proficiency of medical personnel. Such training infrastructure plays an important role in preparing military doctors to manage complex medical emergencies and combat-related injuries.
The visit also included the Centre for Advanced Research and the Department of Medical Research, where the General Officer was familiarised with ongoing initiatives aimed at advancing medical knowledge, strengthening research capabilities and addressing healthcare challenges relevant to the Armed Forces.
The discussions underscored the growing importance of medical research, simulation-based training and specialised healthcare education in supporting modern military operations.
Established in 1948, the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune is one of India’s premier medical education and research institutions. It plays a vital role in training medical professionals for the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), which provides healthcare support to personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
The institution has made significant contributions to military medicine through its academic programmes, research activities and specialised training in areas relevant to operational healthcare and casualty management.
The visit by Lt Gen Ajay Kumar highlighted the close relationship between operational military formations and the Armed Forces Medical Services in ensuring comprehensive medical support for troops.
Advanced medical training, research and healthcare infrastructure remain essential for maintaining the health, resilience and operational effectiveness of military personnel, particularly during demanding deployments and combat operations.
The interaction also provided an opportunity to recognise AFMC Pune’s contributions to medical education, healthcare innovation and the development of skilled medical professionals serving the nation.
The visit reaffirmed the importance of strengthening military medical capabilities through advanced training, specialised research and continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, while recognising AFMC Pune’s enduring contribution to the Indian Armed Forces.
