Surgeon Rear Admiral Vivek Hande, VSM, Visits Andaman and Nicobar Command to Assess Medical Facilities

Surgeon Rear Admiral Vivek Hande, VSM, Senior Consultant (Medicine) at the Office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), undertook a significant visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANCOM) on January 30, 2025. The visit was aimed at assessing the medical infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and operational readiness of medical establishments in the strategically vital island territory.

During the visit, Surg RAdm Hande conducted a thorough review of key medical institutions, including INHS Dhanvantri, GB Pant Hospital, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS). He engaged with hospital staff, medical officers, and healthcare professionals to gain firsthand insights into the challenges and advancements in medical services within the command.

At INHS Dhanvantri, the premier naval hospital in the region, he interacted with patients and healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of collaborative medical expertise, continuous training, and knowledge exchange to enhance healthcare outcomes. He appreciated the dedicated efforts of the medical personnel in providing high-quality care to both military personnel and civilians in the region.

Surg RAdm Hande also underscored the necessity of upskilling healthcare professionals to keep pace with evolving medical technologies and treatment protocols. Stressing the significance of medical preparedness, he highlighted the need for strengthening emergency response capabilities, enhancing critical care services, and ensuring the availability of state-of-the-art medical equipment to tackle potential medical contingencies in the region.

The Andaman and Nicobar Command holds strategic importance due to its geographical positioning and operational significance for the Armed Forces. Ensuring efficient and well-equipped healthcare facilities is crucial to maintaining the health and readiness of personnel stationed in the region.

This visit reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces Medical Services to bolstering healthcare standards, fostering medical advancements, and enhancing patient care in remote and operationally significant locations. The insights and recommendations from the visit are expected to contribute to further strengthening medical infrastructure and preparedness in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.