New Delhi: The Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Directorate General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) have formalized a landmark collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) under the ‘Vikiran Prehri’, the flagship programme of DRDO. This agreement aims to build national capacity for the medical management of radiation emergencies, strengthening India’s preparedness and response mechanisms.
Collaboration for National Preparedness
The MoA is designed to enhance synergy between the Armed Forces Medical Services and DRDO. By working together, the organisations will ensure faster, coordinated, and effective responses during radiation-related incidents. The partnership will also facilitate joint training programmes, advanced medical protocols, and the development of specialised infrastructure for managing radiation emergencies.
Signing Ceremony at Army Hospital, Delhi
The agreement was signed at the Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi, in the presence of key dignitaries, including:
- Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO
- Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, AVSM, VSM, DGAFMS
- Vice Chancellor, DIAT Pune
- DGMS (Army/Navy/Air Force)
- DG (SSS), DRDO
- DG (PC & SI), DRDO
The ceremony underscored the commitment of the defence and research agencies to strengthen India’s emergency preparedness and healthcare capabilities in the field of nuclear and radiation safety.
Key Objectives of the Vikiran Prehri Programme
The collaboration under Vikiran Prehri will focus on:
- Building national capacity for medical management of radiation emergencies
- Developing advanced emergency protocols and specialised response mechanisms
- Training medical personnel of the Armed Forces and allied agencies
- Establishing state-of-the-art infrastructure for effective radiation disaster management
- Enhancing research and innovation in radiation medicine and emergency care
Significance for National Security and Public Health
This MoA represents a strategic step toward bolstering India’s resilience against radiation emergencies. By integrating expertise from DRDO and Armed Forces Medical Services, the initiative ensures that medical management during radiation incidents will be timely, efficient, and life-saving. It also strengthens India’s ability to respond to both natural and man-made radiological hazards.
Officials highlighted that the programme will not only improve emergency readiness but also contribute to broader national safety and defence preparedness by providing a strong framework for rapid deployment of trained medical teams during any radiation emergency.
About INMAS, DRDO, and DGAFMS:
- INMAS: A premier DRDO laboratory specialising in nuclear medicine, radiation biology, and allied medical sciences.
- DRDO: India’s premier research and development organisation focused on defence technologies, including strategic and emergency response solutions.
- DGAFMS: The medical wing of the Indian Armed Forces, responsible for healthcare delivery, training, and medical preparedness across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
This MoA under the Vikiran Prehri programme marks a major step forward in strengthening India’s medical and emergency response infrastructure, reinforcing the country’s commitment to national security and public health.
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