AFMS and IISc Announce Groundbreaking Collaboration for Combat Medicine Advancement
In a significant development for military healthcare, the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru to enhance research and development across various aspects of combat medicine. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the 74th annual Armed Forces Medical Conference, ARMEDiCON-2026, held in Pune.
Research as a Core Pillar of AFMS Vision
At a media briefing on the sidelines of the conference, Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of AFMS, emphasized that research constitutes a fundamental pillar of the long-term vision for the Armed Forces Medical Services. "Over the past year, we have strengthened institutional partnerships through MoUs with premier organizations such as IIT Madras, NIMHANS, DIAT Pune, PGI Chandigarh, IISc Bengaluru, ICMR, AIIMS New Delhi, and several IITs. These collaborations form the backbone of our 'Future-Ready' strategy," stated the DGAFMS.
She further elaborated that military medical exercises focusing on blood support, combat casualty care, evacuation, and disaster response are instrumental in bolstering operational preparedness. The conference itself served as a crucial platform for senior leadership of the tri-services to review achievements, address emerging challenges, and outline future roadmaps.
Focus on Remote Healthcare and Innovative Technologies
Prof Navakanta Bhat, Dean of the Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences at IISc, Bengaluru, highlighted the collaboration's focus on addressing the healthcare needs of soldiers deployed in remote and challenging environments. "From wearable devices to advanced wound healing techniques, these technologies will enable continuous monitoring of health parameters and facilitate medical interventions in remote settings. Such innovations will not be limited to field use but will also find valuable applications in hospitals and civilian healthcare systems," Prof Bhat explained.
A key component of this partnership is the establishment of a joint PhD programme. Under this initiative, clinicians from the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune will have the opportunity to conduct research at IISc, develop innovative solutions, and apply them to real clinical needs. "The MoU outlines broad contours, and we are confident that many meaningful innovations will emerge from this initiative," he added.
Strengthening Institutional Capabilities and Broader Collaborations
While IISc is actively developing a comprehensive medical programme that includes a postgraduate medical school and an 830-bed hospital, the institution is keen on deepening ties with Pune's AFMC to pioneer solutions in combat medicine. Prof Bhat also referenced recent collaborative research, such as Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's work on using bacteria to produce construction materials on Mars, as an example of the collaborative spirit driving such partnerships.
He noted that with upcoming space missions, fundamental questions about the human body in zero gravity present open research challenges, making research and development collaborations particularly significant.
Enhancing Medical Infrastructure and Outreach
DGAFMS Surg Vice Admiral Sarin also detailed advancements at the Armed Forces Medical College, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art BSL-2 laboratory under the State-Level Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory framework. This facility enables safe and rapid identification of infectious pathogens during outbreaks. Additionally, AFMC's first Viral Cell Culture Laboratory has been operationalized, allowing for advanced viral isolation and characterization.
By integrating these facilities with national surveillance systems and the One Health framework, AFMC is playing a critical role in strengthening India's preparedness against emerging biological threats and pandemics.
Furthermore, the DGAFMS highlighted a recent medical camp organized under the aegis of the Indian Navy in the union territory of Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands. This initiative aimed to provide high-quality specialist care to remote island communities, benefiting over 4,700 individuals with consultations across multiple specialties and conducting more than 550 procedures, including cataract surgeries and general surgeries.
"This mission reflected the true spirit of jointness, outreach, and service. It reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access, regardless of geography," she concluded.
