Air Marshal MS Sridhar, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Medical), visited the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), where he met with Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
The high-level interaction focused on matters of mutual interest, particularly concerning strategic medical facilities within the Command, aimed at enhancing tri-service medical coordination and operational medical readiness.
Strengthening Medical Preparedness and Jointness
During the meeting, both senior officers engaged in discussions centered around:
- Strategic medical infrastructure development to support joint operations.
- Medical readiness for responding to combat and non-combat emergencies, including radiation emergencies and mass casualty scenarios.
- Enhancing interoperability of medical services across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force under the framework of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS).
Live Radiation Emergency Casualty Evacuation Drill at INHS Kalyani
A key highlight of the visit was the live radiation emergency casualty evacuation drill conducted at INHS Kalyani, showcasing the Navy’s capability to:
- Rapidly respond to radiation hazards during both peacetime operations and combat situations.
- Implement standardized medical protocols for radiation exposure management, casualty evacuation, and decontamination procedures.
- Demonstrate seamless coordination between medical teams, emergency responders, and naval operational units.
Tour of Naval Units at Visakhapatnam
Air Marshal Sridhar also visited several key naval establishments in Visakhapatnam, gaining first-hand insights into:
- The unique roles and responsibilities of various naval units under ENC.
- Ongoing operational activities that support both maritime security and humanitarian missions.
- The integrated approach to medical support, especially in high-risk maritime environments.
Commitment to Joint Medical Excellence
The visit underscored the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to maintaining robust medical preparedness in line with evolving operational requirements. It highlighted the importance of joint medical exercises, strategic infrastructure development, and knowledge sharing to strengthen India’s tri-service medical capabilities.
