Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (India)

Lt. Gen Daljit Singh, DGAFMS with Dr. Edmond Fernandes, Founder, CHD Group

Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (India) (DGAFMS) is the highest-ranking officer in the Indian Armed Forces medical services. The position is responsible for the overall guidance, development, and supervision of the medical services across the Army, Navy, and Air Force in India. The DGAFMS reports directly to the Ministry of Defence and plays a crucial role in policy formulation, planning, and implementation of health services within the military framework.

Role and Responsibilities

The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services oversees a wide range of responsibilities to ensure the health and well-being of all military personnel. These responsibilities include:

• Formulating medical policies for the armed forces.
• Supervising medical services in various establishments and field areas.
• Coordinating with civilian medical institutions for training and medical treatment.
• Overseeing medical research and development tailored to military needs.
• Ensuring the availability of medical supplies and modern equipment across military hospitals and units.
• Implementing health and hygiene standards to prevent diseases and promote overall health among the armed forces.

Appointment

The DGAFMS is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence. The appointee is a senior medical officer from any of the three services (Army Medical Corps, Navy Medical Service, or Air Force Medical Service) who has demonstrated exceptional service and leadership in the field of military medicine.

History

The position of DGAFMS was established to provide a unified command and control structure for the medical services of the Indian Armed Forces. Over the years, the role has evolved with advancements in military operations and medical technology, adapting to new challenges and ensuring the effective delivery of healthcare services to military personnel.

Challenges

The DGAFMS faces numerous challenges, including:

• Ensuring medical readiness of the armed forces for both peacetime and wartime scenarios.
• Managing the health risks associated with new forms of warfare, including chemical, biological, and radiological threats.
• Integrating new medical technologies and practices into the armed forces medical services.
• Addressing the mental health and well-being of military personnel.

Notable DGAFMS

Over the years, several distinguished officers have served as the DGAFMS, contributing significantly to the advancement of military medicine in India. Their leadership has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of healthcare provided to India's armed forces.

See Also

• Military Medicine
• Indian Armed Forces
• Ministry of Defence (India)
• Indian Army Medical Corps
• Indian Navy Medical Service
• Indian Air Force Medical Service