Chennai, July 23:
The Indian Army Headquarters Dakshin Bharat Area brought together eminent doctors from Chennai in a unique civil-military outreach programme held here.
Physicians from the Exservicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) empanelled hospitals, Government and leading private hospitals across Chennai, along with medical specialists from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard took part in the programme.
The initiative provided an opportunity for meaningful interaction between the Armed Forces and the medical fraternity, fostering stronger partnerships and a shared commitment towards enhancing national preparedness for medical emergencies during both peace and conflict, a defence release said today.
The outreach programme began with an address by the Indian Army General Officer Commanding (GOC), Dakshin Bharat Area, Lt Gen V Sreehari at the Victory War Memorial, Chennai. He highlighted the historical significance of the venerated Memorial, paying tribute to the courage, valour and supreme sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces, while underscoring the importance of jointness between the Armed Forces and the medical fraternity and their enduring contribution to nation-building.
Later, during an interaction at the HQ Dakshin Bharat Area Officers’ Mess, the GOC emphasised the need for closer civil-military medical collaboration in the face of evolving security challenges.
Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, major mass-casualty incidents, Operation SINDOOR and contemporary conflicts, he stressed the importance of preparedness, coordinated medical protocols, regular interaction and the synergised application of medical expertise. He also reminded the gathering that medicine is not merely a profession, but a noble service to humanity and the nation. In the event, the heads of top hospitals in the city pledged priority care for Defence personnel, support for mock disaster drills, and sharing best practices including design inputs for upcoming operation theatres.
The evening featured the evocative light and sound show at the Victory War Memorial, portraying the saga of sacrifice, valour and jointness and the Armed Forces’ enduring contribution to nation-building, followed by informal interactions over dinner at the HQ Dakshin Bharat Area Officers’ Mess.
Building on earlier outreach initiatives with senior civil administrators, police leadership and eminent citizens, the programme reaffirmed HQ Dakshin Bharat Area’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders to build a more resilient, responsive and prepared nation.