Every year, the Indian Army (IA) observes the Raising Day of the Army Medical Corps (AMC) on April 3 to honor the founding of the AMC in 1764 and commemorate the sacrifices made by medical professionals in the line of duty.
- April 3, 2025, marked the 261st Raising Day of the AMC, a specialized corps dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to active personnel, veterans, and their families.
Historical Evolution of AMC:
i.The origins trace back to the Indian Medical Service (IMS), established in 1612 during the British East India Company’s rule, with John Woodall as the first Surgeon General.
ii.In 1764, medical services were formalized under the Company’s armies. Separate Bengal Medical Service (1764), Madras Medical Service (1767), and Bombay Medical Service (1779) were created for the three Presidency Armies.
iii.The Indian Hospital Corps (IHC) was formed during World War II (1939), leading to the amalgamation of IMS, Indian Medical Department (IMD), and IHC into the Indian Army Medical Corps (IAMC) on 3 April 1943.
iv.The administrative headquarters of IAMC was established in Pune (Maharashtra) in May 1943. Post-independence, IAMC was renamed Army Medical Corps (AMC) on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day).
Structure of AMC:
i.AMC operates under the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), alongside the Army Dental Corps (AD Corps) and Military Nursing Service (MNS).
- The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) serves as the controlling authority of the AFMS.
ii.Serving as the backbone of healthcare for millions of Indian Army personnel, veterans, and their families, AMC ensures medical readiness during both peacetime and wartime.
Motto of AMC:
AMC’s motto, “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (Sanskrit for “Let all be free from disease and disability”), reflects its commitment to holistic health and preventive care.
Versatility in Healthcare:
i.AMC provides 24/7 medical support across India’s diverse terrains, from high-altitude borders to disaster-prone regions.
ii.It plays a critical role in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions, offering trauma care and epidemic management in conflict zones.
iii.During national emergencies, AMC leads disaster response efforts, including flood relief, earthquake rescue, and pandemic containment.
Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS):
i.AFMS is an inter-services organization under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), responsible for delivering comprehensive medical care to IA, Indian Navy (IN), and Indian Air Force (IAF).
- The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) oversees AFMS.
ii.AFMS operates 130+ military hospitals and 400+ field units, including the Army Research & Referral Hospital, New Delhi (Delhi), an apex tertiary care center.
DGAFMS – Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Established – 1948
