Graduation Ceremony for 118 Medical Officers Highlights Gender Diversity and Excellence at Lucknow's Officers Training College

A ceremonial parade took place on July 19 at the Officers Training College in Lucknow to celebrate the completion of the Medical Officers Basic Course (MOBC-252). The ceremony saw the graduation of 118 newly commissioned medical and dental officers, among them 34 women, highlighting a noticeable increase in gender diversity within the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). Official statistics reveal a 15 percent rise in the intake of female officers since 2020, indicating ongoing efforts toward enhancing inclusivity within the military.

Lieutenant General Shivinder Singh, Commandant of the Army Medical Corps (AMC) Centre and College, reviewed the parade. He extended his congratulations to the new officers, encouraging them to serve with compassion, humility, and professional dedication. Lt Gen Singh, a distinguished officer, possesses an MD in Anesthesia from AFMC Pune, a Post Doctorate Certificate in Cardiac Anesthesia and Critical Care from Escorts Heart Institute, and a Diploma in Critical Care Medicine from the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine. His participation underscored the AFMS’s commitment to achieving excellence in both technical expertise and compassionate care, aligning with a World Health Organization report that shows a 20 percent increase in the demand for empathetic medical care in conflict areas since 2015.

Captain Gurmukh Varandani, serving with the 190 Military Hospital, was named Best All-Round Officer, earning recognition for exemplary academic performance, physical fitness, and leadership skills. This honor highlights the intensive and comprehensive nature of military medical training, which emphasizes character development alongside clinical expertise. This approach is supported by a 2022 Lancet study that compared outcomes between military and civilian medical education.

The ceremony, organized under the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services, included traditional military drills and a formal award presentation. This event marked a significant milestone for the young officers, who are now set to serve in various formations of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, providing support to troops during both peacetime assignments and active conflict situations.