Surgeon Vice Admiral Vivek Hande Evaluates Key Military Healthcare Facilities in Pune Visit
Surgeon Vice Admiral Vivek Hande, serving as the Director General (Organisation & Personnel) of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), conducted a visit to Pune from August 6 to 7, 2026. The purpose of the visit was to assess major military healthcare facilities and engage with officers on matters concerning personnel management, medical administration, and organizational development.
Throughout the two-day visit, Surg VAdm Hande convened with officers at the Headquarters Southern Command. He evaluated the performance of prominent healthcare institutions associated with the Armed Forces Medical Services, such as the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Command Hospital (Southern Command), and the Artificial Limb Centre.
The senior officer conducted assessments at these medical institutions to scrutinize healthcare infrastructure, medical services, and ongoing projects aimed at improving patient care, medical education, and rehabilitation. The reviews were directed at ensuring these establishments uphold high levels of clinical excellence, thereby catering to the healthcare needs of active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families.
The visit also offered a chance to examine the contributions of these institutions in promoting military medicine, specialist training, and medical research. Notably, the Artificial Limb Centre, a key rehabilitation hub for armed forces members, was among the facilities evaluated, highlighting the AFMS' ongoing focus on comprehensive rehabilitation and long-term care for injured service members.
As part of the agenda, Surg VAdm Vivek Hande delivered several lectures to officers on human resource strategies and recent initiatives from the Office of the DGAFMS. These sessions covered personnel management, career progression, organizational reforms, and strategies aimed at enhancing the welfare of medical professionals in the Armed Forces.
The interactive sessions were designed to help officers gain a deeper understanding of evolving HR policies and stressed the significance of effective personnel administration in bolstering the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces Medical Services. The discussions also emphasized promoting professional excellence, leadership growth, and fostering a supportive environment for medical staff across the three Services.
In his address, Surg VAdm Hande reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces Medical Services to providing top-quality healthcare while continuously advancing military medical education, personnel welfare, and organizational efficiency. He highlighted the necessity of maintaining a highly skilled, motivated, and professionally adept medical workforce to ensure the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces.
The visit highlighted the AFMS' dedication to improving healthcare delivery through ongoing institutional development, investment in medical education, and efficient personnel management. It underscored the organization's pledge to offer world-class medical support to the Armed Forces while ensuring the welfare and professional growth of its medical personnel.
