On 3 April 2024, the Indian Army celebrated the 260th Raising Day of the Army Medical Corps (AMC), a specialist corps in the Indian Army that provides medical services to all serving and veteran army personnel, as well as their families.
- The Raising Day of AMC commemorates the founding day of the AMC and pays tribute to the medical personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
History of Indian Medical Service (IMS):
i.The Indian Medical Service (IMS) has a rich history dating back to 1612, intertwined with the development of the East India Company and the British presence in India. John Woodall was appointed as the 1st Surgeon General.
ii.In 1764, the surgeons were made into a regular establishment of the East India Company’s armies.
iii.Bengal Medical Service, Madras Medical Service and Bombay Medical Service were formed in 1764, 1767, and 1779 respectively for the 3 Presidency Armies of Bengal, Madras and Bombay.
iv.IMS was phased out by August 14, 1947, spanning nearly 3 centuries, and made profound contributions to medical science.
v.The inception of the Medical Corps for Defence Services emerged in 1939 amidst World War II, culminating in the establishment of the Indian Army Medical Corps (IAMC) in 1943.
vi.IAMC came into existence as a homogeneous Corps on 3 April 1943, through the amalgamation of the Indian Medical Service (IMS), Indian Medical Department (IMD), and Indian Hospital Corps (IHC).
vii.On the formation of the IAMC, the IHC Headquarters at Poona became the Administrative Headquarters of the IAMC in May 1943.
viii.IAMC was redesignated as the Army Medical Corps (AMC) with effect from Republic Day (26th January 1950).
Significance of AMC:
i.AMC (including AMC Non-Technical (NT)) is one of the medical services of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).
ii.AMC comprises about 6,000 Medical Officers including specialists, 300 Non-Technical Officers, 3,500 Nursing Officers, 50,000 Junior Commissioned Officers/Other Ranks, and 9,000 defence civilian employees.
Versatility in Healthcare:
i.AMC is renowned for providing healthcare during peacetime and combat situations, ensuring the well-being of defence forces.
ii.AMC extends medical aid to the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions abroad and actively participates in disaster management efforts.
Motto of AMC: “Sarve Santu Niramaya,” translates to “Let all be free from disease and disability,” embodying its mission.
2024 Events:
A walkathon and cyclothon were organised at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, Maharashtra on 29 March 2024 to commemorate the 260th Anniversary of the Raising Day of the Army Medical Corps.
- The event was flagged off by Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Southern Command.
Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS):
i.Along with AMC including AMC (NT), AFMS consists of the Army Dental Corps (AD Corps) and Military Nursing Service (MNS).
ii.The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) is the controlling authority of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS)
DGAFMS: Lieutenant General Daljit Singh (Army).
