In a prestigious ceremony held in New Delhi on March 19, 2024, the Raksha Mantri Trophy for the Best and Second Best Command Hospitals of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) for the year 2022 was presented by Director General Armed Forces Medical Services and Senior Colonel Comdt, Army Medical Corps, Lieutenant General Daljit Singh.
The Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune, and the Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow, were honored as the Best and Second Best Command Hospitals for their exemplary performance in the year 2022.
The event, graced by distinguished members of the AFMS leadership and esteemed guests, served as a platform to recognize and commend the outstanding contributions of these medical institutions to the healthcare services provided by the armed forces.
Lieutenant General Daljit Singh, while presenting the awards, applauded the exceptional performance of the two hospitals and acknowledged the commendable services rendered by the AFMS across various domains, including combat medical support and state-of-the-art healthcare services.
Highlighting the versatility and preparedness of the AFMS to meet diverse challenges, Lieutenant General Daljit Singh emphasized the pivotal role played by the medical corps in providing medical support during both operational deployments and peacetime.
He reaffirmed the AFMS’s unwavering commitment to excellence and professionalism, underscoring its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief whenever called upon.
Furthermore, Lieutenant General Daljit Singh announced the expansion of the competition from the year 2023 onwards, with the inclusion of the Army Institute of Cardio-Thoracic Sciences (AICTS), Pune, and the Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. This decision aims to further enhance the spirit of healthy competition among AFMS hospitals and foster continuous improvement in healthcare services.
The award ceremony, attended by high-ranking officials and dignitaries from the AFMS and related departments, symbolized the AFMS’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of medical care and service excellence. It also underscored the importance of recognizing and promoting excellence in healthcare delivery within the armed forces community.
The Raksha Mantri Trophy, instituted in 1989, holds significant prestige within the AFMS and serves as a symbol of recognition for hospitals that demonstrate exceptional performance and commitment to excellence.
The selection process for the award involves a rigorous assessment based on objective performance indicators, ensuring transparency and fairness in the evaluation process.
As the AFMS continues its mission to provide quality healthcare services to armed forces personnel and their families, the Raksha Mantri Trophy serves as a beacon of inspiration, motivating hospitals to strive for continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare delivery. Through such initiatives, the AFMS reaffirms its commitment to the well-being and welfare of those serving in the defense of the nation.
