Vice Admiral Arti Sarin Unveils Pilot Project at AFMC Commissioning Ceremony
The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), led by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General, has announced plans to deploy drones to deliver blood bags, lifesaving medicines, and medical supplies to remote and hilly areas, dramatically improving logistical response times. The initiative was revealed during the commissioning ceremony of five new medical officers at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune .

Integrating Advanced Tech for Healthcare Efficiency
Vice Admiral Sarin emphasized AFMS’s drive to incorporate cutting-edge technologies—telemedicine, artificial intelligence, point-of-care devices, and drones—to transform healthcare delivery in challenging terrains
World Economic Forum
Business Standard
Medical Dialogues
As a first step, the service is launching a pilot drone delivery programme, aiming to transport essential medical supplies to frontline and high-altitude zones. She remarked, “We are looking at using drone technology for the supply of blood bags, medicines, and other medical equipment. In fact, we are hoping for a day when even medical evacuations can be carried out using drones”

Medical Dialogues

Pilot Phase in Rugged Terrains
The pilot phase will focus on remote and hilly regions where ground evacuation is slow and operationally difficult. AFMS will collaborate with existing non-military agencies already using drones in such geographies

ETHealthworld.com

Commenting on future ambitions, Vice Admiral Sarin confirmed that the service is also exploring drone-based medical evacuation, although the capability is not yet operational

Enhanced Training and Genomic Research at AFMC
At the event, AFMC Commandant Lt Gen Pankaj Rao highlighted significant advancements across the institution, including full-scale integration of medical simulation training, encompassing life-support and surgical procedures. Additionally, AFMC’s new genome sequencing lab—equipped with next-generation platforms—is now active, supporting diagnostics and research in oncology, inherited disorders, transplant medicine, and molecular therapeutics

AFMS Supporting Space Health Initiatives
Vice Admiral Sarin also reaffirmed the AFMS’s responsibility for astronaut health for the Axiom‑4 space mission aboard the International Space Station. Under this charge, the Institute of Aviation/Aerospace Medicine is providing primary medical support to astronauts, including on-site care in Houston, Texas