New Delhi, April 6 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that there is a need for reforms within the clinical trial framework in the country, and asserted that it must be explored how the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) can make a meaningful contribution in this domain.
Addressing an event here, the minister also underlined the need for creating robust standard operating procedures and standardised protocols for dissemination of clinical experience regarding a specific disease to other doctors and hospitals through systematic channels.
"This would render faster, more efficient and evidence-based treatment, enhancing not only individual capability but overall system efficiency," Singh said.
"Establishing a national-level data pool would be a monumental step in this direction. It would provide better inputs for policy formulation, aid in validating new medical practices, and enable large-scale replication of effective treatments, thereby gradually transforming our healthcare system from a reactive into a proactive model," he said.
He laid the foundation stones of ophthalmology, oncology and joint replacement centres at the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) (AHRR) and of new infrastructure at the Base Hospital in Delhi Cantonment as part of the events held to mark the 262nd Raising Day of the Army Medical Corps (AMC).
Drawing attention to the crucial subject of clinical trials, Singh said clinical trials are industry-sponsored in many advanced nations and equal emphasis is placed on research, treatment and innovation.
He pointed out that while efforts in this direction are being made in India, there is a "need for reforms" within the clinical trial framework.
"We must explore how the AFMS can make a meaningful contribution in this domain, ensuring that our medical capabilities extend beyond mere curative treatment to encompass the creation of new knowledge," the defence minister said.
Singh emphasised that in today's context, security encompasses far more than merely safeguarding borders and health security is equally significant.
"Health security plays a pivotal role when we successfully execute major operations like Operation Sindoor. When our soldiers possess the confidence that superior medical support is available to them, they accomplish their missions without apprehension. Therefore, it is imperative to adopt a consistently proactive and positive approach toward health security," he said.
Singh asserted that parameters of growth of a nation are not solely economic, but encompass other significant dimensions, with people's health being the most critical.
"The medical sector needs to continuously understand these evolving challenges, address them effectively and constantly update itself in sync with the changing times. We must move forward with a vision where progress is not confined merely to economic growth but is holistic in nature, where health is recognised as a central pillar of that development," he said.
On the heavy workload in hospitals, Singh said doctors remain constantly occupied with providing treatment and performing surgeries, and crucial aspects such as research, training and teaching tend to take a backseat.
This is a "practical challenge" that needs to be acknowledged, he said and urged the AFMS to explore ways to effectively balance the immense workload.
Singh also urged the AFMS to examine the feasibility of setting up institutions at par with the AHRR in all four corners of the country with the aim to provide soldiers in every region and location superior medical facilities.
"It is not strictly necessary to establish a greenfield project or construct an entirely new institution. There are immense possibilities within brownfield projects. Command hospitals or base hospitals at various locations can be upgraded with modern facilities and elevated to this very same standard," he suggested.
Acknowledging the services rendered by the nurses of the Military Nursing Service, Singh said they serve as the bedrock of the medical forces.
He said the recent decision to grant them the status of ex-servicemen upon retirement underlines the government's commitment towards the welfare of the defence forces personnel as well as medical professionals.
During his visit to the medical facility, the minister also toured the technology exhibition area, where cutting-edge innovations and advancements in combat medical care were showcased.
These included developments in trauma management, battlefield evacuation systems, prosthetics, telemedicine and critical care technologies, reflecting the AFMS' sustained efforts towards modernisation and self-reliance.
He also presented the Raksha Mantri Trophy for the Best Hospital of the AFMS to Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune, while the award for the Second Best Hospital went to the Indian Naval Hospital Ship (INHS) Asvini, Mumbai, the defence ministry said in a statement.
Singh also released a book titled 'Precision Protocols in Early Neurodevelopmental Intervention'.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officers also attended the event.