Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated India’s first Department of Military Medicine at the Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the Armed Forces’ medical preparedness against emerging health and security challenges. Launched virtually, the new department is designed to serve as a national centre of excellence for military medicine, focusing on research, innovation, specialised training and the development of medical strategies to address evolving threats, including biological warfare,

pandemics, chemical and radiological emergencies, and battlefield trauma. The initiative represents a major step towards enhancing India’s defence healthcare capabilities and operational readiness.

Addressing the inaugural event, Rajnath Singh said the new department would function as a hub for research and development, enabling India to proactively prepare for future health emergencies and unconventional security threats. He highlighted that modern warfare increasingly extends beyond conventional battlefields, with biological,

chemical, nuclear and cyber threats demanding specialised medical expertise. The Defence Minister emphasised that the institution would promote interdisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, scientists and defence experts to develop advanced medical solutions for the Armed Forces while contributing to national health security.

The Department of Military Medicine will focus on specialised areas including combat casualty care, trauma medicine, aerospace medicine, infectious diseases, military psychiatry, rehabilitation, disaster medicine, preventive medicine and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) preparedness. It is also expected to strengthen

clinical research, evidence-based military healthcare protocols, simulation-based training and the development of indigenous medical technologies to support operational requirements across the Army, Navy and Air Force. The facility will work closely with the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) to enhance medical readiness for both peacetime and conflict scenarios.

The launch aligns with India’s broader efforts to modernise defence infrastructure and build resilience against future public health and national security challenges. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance and global health emergencies continue to pose significant risks to

national preparedness, while geopolitical developments have increased global emphasis on military medical research and biosecurity capabilities. Experts believe dedicated military medicine institutions play a critical role in improving emergency response, protecting armed forces personnel and supporting civilian disaster management during large scale crises.

Healthcare and defence experts have welcomed the establishment of India’s first Department of Military Medicine, describing it as a landmark initiative for defence healthcare and national resilience. By integrating advanced

research, specialised medical training and operational preparedness under one institution, the new department is expected to strengthen India’s capability to respond to future biological, chemical and battlefield threats while reinforcing the country’s self-reliance in military medical science and innovation.