AFMC MBBS intake may increase from 130 to 150

PUNE: The Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery courses being offered at the Armed Forces Medical College, may soon witness an increase in the number of student admissions. Lieutenant General M K Unni, Director-General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), , said that they were reviewing raising the number of students from 130 to 150.

In the city for the 'commissioning ceremony' of the 51st batch of medical graduates, Lt Gen Unni, also Senior Colonel Commandant, Army Medical Corps (AMC),was presiding over the function as Chief Guest. He said the increase in student strength at the AFMC would fulfill 50% requirement of doctors in the armed forces. "We have to fill up half of its vacancies from the civil medical institute. It is a good mix, having students from civilian institutes and AFMC. When students come from two different streams, they mingle well and ideas from each other are imbibed," he added.

L. Gen Unni spoke of the possibility of starting of another medical college similar to the AFMC in letter and spirit. "At present, the plan is on the drawing board," he said.

100 medical graduates were commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services on Wednesday. 84 graduates joined the Army, 4 the navy, and 12 the Air Force .

Earlier, addressing the newly-commissioned officers, Unni heeded that they serve the country with dedication, and courage

"Compassion, empathy, commitment, understanding and effective communication are essential ingredients for effective patient care. Science and technology have revolutionized medical practice but can never replace the dependence on human counsel. Work hard and learn about the practice of medicine," he added.

The commissioning concluded with a parade and a acrobatic display of synchronized gymnastics by a contingent of BEG Centre in Khadki, a representation of the Indian Army , followed by an ever melodious Brass Band of INS Shivaji, from the Navy. The parade had started with a flypast by helicopters of 141 SSS Flight, representing the Air Force reports the TOI.