NDA Families Express Concerns Over Paediatric Care and Medicine Shortages at Khadakwasla Military Hospital; Await Academy's Response

Families of defence personnel stationed at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla have expressed significant concerns over the lack of specialized paediatric healthcare at the NDA Military Hospital. Parents of young children reportedly have to travel considerable distances for routine medical consultations, which has raised alarm among the personnel.

According to several serving officers and others familiar with the situation, the absence of a dedicated paediatrician at the hospital is a pressing issue, especially considering the number of families with young children residing on the campus.

It has been reported that previously, a paediatrician from the Military Hospital in Khadki visited the NDA every Friday to provide consultations. However, this service allegedly ceased when the transport arrangement for the visiting doctor was withdrawn by the Commandant, leaving the families without regular access to paediatric care on-site.

Consequently, families are now compelled to visit either the Military Hospital in Khadki or the Command Hospital in Pune Cantonment for paediatric services. This situation is particularly challenging for families with newborns and sick children, causing substantial inconvenience.

There are also allegations of frequent shortages of essential medicines at the NDA hospital, forcing individuals to purchase medications externally, despite the academy receiving significant funding for healthcare services.

Concerns have been raised by serving personnel about why an institution of the NDA's stature, which serves numerous cadets and defence families, lacks a permanent paediatric specialist or alternative arrangements to provide continuous healthcare for children. This has led to broader questions about the adequacy of the existing medical infrastructure to meet the needs of the academy's residents.

The National Defence Academy has not yet provided a response to these concerns.

Punekar News sought clarification from the NDA on June 22, sending a detailed questionnaire covering several issues, including:

Despite repeated follow-ups, the NDA had not responded to the questionnaire at the time of publication. In the absence of an official response, Punekar News is reporting on the concerns highlighted by serving personnel while awaiting a statement from the NDA.