In a significant ceremony at INHS Asvini, seven BSc Nursing graduates were commissioned as Lieutenants into the Military Nursing Service. This event marks a pivotal step in their careers as they join a distinguished cadre of healthcare professionals dedicated to serving the nation.

Surgeon Rear Admiral Dilip Raghavan, the Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini, officiated the commissioning ceremony. He extended his best wishes to the newly commissioned officers, emphasizing the noble path they have chosen in dedicating their careers to healthcare and service to the country.

The commissioning of these officers underscores the critical role that the Military Nursing Service plays in providing top-notch medical care to the armed forces. It also highlights the commitment of the Indian Navy in fostering professional growth and excellence in military healthcare.

The new Lieutenants will soon be deployed across various military hospitals and medical units, where they will apply their skills and knowledge to assist in the medical care of service members and their families. This transition from graduates to military officers reflects their rigorous training and their readiness to take on significant responsibilities in military medicine.

Surgeon Rear Admiral Raghavan also highlighted the importance of continual learning and adaptation in medical careers, particularly in the military context, where they might face unique challenges and environments.

The ceremony was not only a celebration of the achievements of these young officers but also a reaffirmation of the Military Nursing Service’s dedication to excellence and the health of the nation’s defenders.

Lieutenant General Daljit Singh, AVSM, VSM, PHS, the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) and Senior Colonel Commandant, conducted a comprehensive visit to INS Chilka and INHS Nivarini from August 24 to 26, 2024. The visit was aimed at assessing the training of Agniveer recruits and reviewing the medical facilities at INHS Nivarini.

During his stay, Lt Gen Singh was thoroughly briefed on the various training initiatives and programs currently being implemented at INS Chilka, which is instrumental in preparing Agniveers for their roles in the Indian Armed Forces. He observed the training processes and interacted with both trainers and trainees to get firsthand insights into the efficacy and impact of the training programs.

At INHS Nivarini, Lt Gen Singh reviewed the medical facilities available for the personnel. He assessed the healthcare services provided, focusing on their adequacy in meeting the needs of the forces, and the integration of new medical technologies and practices to enhance healthcare delivery.

Lt Gen Singh expressed his appreciation for Team Chilka’s efforts in maintaining high standards of training and medical care. He complimented the personnel for their dedication and emphasized the importance of such facilities in ensuring the well-being and readiness of all service members. His visit underscored the commitment of the Indian Armed Forces to uphold the highest standards of readiness and welfare for its personnel.

The visit highlighted the continuous efforts by the Indian Armed Forces to integrate effective training programs and robust medical services, reinforcing their dedication to the health and efficiency of their personnel.

In a collaborative educational initiative, 15 officer cadets currently undergoing training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai recently visited Hindustan University. This visit is part of an educational tour designed to provide insights into advanced educational methodologies and facilities in India.

During their visit, the cadets from friendly foreign countries had the opportunity to interact with the faculty and explore the state-of-the-art educational facilities at Hindustan University. The interaction aimed to foster mutual understanding and provide the cadets with exposure to diverse educational environments.

The visit allowed the cadets to witness firsthand the technological advancements and academic resources available at Hindustan University. They engaged in discussions with university professors and academic staff, gaining valuable knowledge that could contribute to their ongoing military training and future careers.

Such educational exchanges are crucial for building international relationships and enhancing the professional development of military officers. The program not only enriches their training experience but also strengthens diplomatic ties between India and the cadets’ respective countries.

This initiative reflects the commitment of the OTA Chennai and Hindustan University to promote educational excellence and international cooperation.

Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, the Director General of Assam Rifles, recently visited Aizawl and Zokhawsang in Mizoram to assess the current security situation. During his visit, he received detailed briefings from Colonel Mukesh Sauhta, Commanding Officer of the 2 Assam Rifles, and Major General Suresh Bhambu, SM, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East).

The briefings focused on the latest developments and security dynamics in the region, highlighting the ongoing efforts and operations conducted by the Assam Rifles to maintain peace and stability.

These discussions also addressed the challenges faced in the area and the strategies implemented to manage them effectively.

Lt Gen Lakhera’s visit underscores the Assam Rifles’ commitment to safeguarding the northeastern borders of India and ensuring the safety and security of the local populations.

His trip also served as an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of current measures and to explore further enhancements in the operational capabilities of the forces stationed in Mizoram.

The visit facilitated direct interaction with the troops on the ground, allowing the DG to gauge the morale and the conditions of the personnel actively engaged in securing the region. Lt Gen Lakhera expressed his satisfaction with the operational readiness and the resilience shown by the forces under challenging circumstances.

This visit by the DG of Assam Rifles highlights the importance of continuous oversight and engagement from the highest levels of military leadership to ensure that the security apparatus is robust and responsive to the needs of the region.

In a prompt and heroic response, military personnel stationed near Durbuk, Ladakh, conducted a medical evacuation operation today after a school bus carrying 27 passengers veered off the road and plunged into a gorge. The incident occurred around 11 a.m., approximately 5 kilometers from Durbuk.

The military responders, who were deployed in the area, noticed the accident and immediately rushed to the scene to assist the victims. They quickly evacuated all 27 passengers, including six who unfortunately succumbed to their injuries, to a nearby military facility and the Primary Health Centre at Tangste.

Recognizing the urgent need for specialized medical care, the injured were subsequently airlifted by Army and Air Force helicopters to the Military Hospital in Leh. This swift transfer was crucial in providing the necessary medical interventions and ensuring the best possible care for the injured.

The quick actions of the military personnel were instrumental in managing the crisis efficiently, demonstrating the preparedness and dedication of the forces in responding to emergencies.

The coordination between the Army and the Air Force in carrying out the evacuation highlighted the effective integration of resources in critical situations.

The local authorities and the military are currently investigating the cause of the accident to prevent such incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the community has expressed its gratitude to the military forces for their lifesaving efforts during this tragic event.