At the centenary celebrations of the Military Nursing Service (MNS) held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan underscored the crucial need for the Indian Armed Forces to remain prepared for emerging challenges, including future bio-threats, radiological contingencies, and the evolving dynamics of nuclear deterrence.
Marking 100 glorious years of the MNS’s dedicated service, General Chauhan hailed military nurses as “the heartbeat of healthcare”, recognising their invaluable contribution to the health and operational readiness of the armed forces. He emphasised that beyond their clinical responsibilities, it is vital to ensure the emotional and psychological well-being of nursing personnel, enabling them to continue delivering compassionate and effective care under demanding circumstances.
Highlighting the ethos of dedication, resilience, and selfless service, the CDS lauded the MNS as a shining example of jointness and integration across the three Services. He noted that the MNS stands as a vital pillar of India’s defence ecosystem, seamlessly bridging the gap between healthcare and operational capability on the frontlines and beyond.
On this historic occasion, General Chauhan unveiled Précis 2025 – “Self-Compassion, Care of the Caregivers”, a significant initiative aimed at promoting self-care among nursing professionals. He also felicitated proud veterans of the MNS, whose tireless and selfless service has strengthened the nation’s healthcare infrastructure and contributed to the overall defence preparedness of the Indian Armed Forces.
The centenary celebration was not only a tribute to a century of unwavering service but also a reaffirmation of the MNS’s evolving role in safeguarding the health and morale of soldiers, sailors, and air warriors, a mission that remains as vital today as it was a hundred years ago.
