Antony assures funds for modernization of military hospitals

NEW DELHI - Defence Minister AK Antony on Monday assured that there would be no funds constraint for the modernization of ‘Armed Forces Hospitals’.

Addressing a select gathering after presenting the Raksha Mantri’s trophies for the best command hospital here, Antony noted with satisfaction that the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) have utilized their entire annual budget of Rs 90 crores for the current financial year.

“All hospitals will be modernized at par with the best hospitals in the country in a phased manner,” he said.

Antony further said that a proposal for the restructuring of the ‘Military Nursing Service’ has also been approved by the Defence Ministry and would soon be examined by the Union Cabinet.

He lauded the contribution of the AFMS in various missions abroad including under the UN Flag such as Ethiopia, Lebanon, Golan Heights, Congo and Afghanistan.

Earlier, the Defence Minister presented the Raksha Mantri’s Trophies for the best command hospital for the year 2010 to Mumbai based Indian Naval Hospital Ship Asvini. Surgeon Rear Admiral YP Monga, Commandant of the hospital received the trophy and a cash prize of Rs ten lakhs.

The Southern Command Hospital, Pune, was awarded the second best command hospital trophy, carrying a cash prize of Rs. three lakhs, which was received by Major General SS Panwar, Commandant of the hospital.

Army Chief VK Singh, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik and Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma were present on the occasion, which was also attended by Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar and Lt. General Naresh Kumar, Officiating Director General, AFMS.

The best command hospital trophy is being awarded since 1989 and the second best hospital trophy was introduced last year. (ANI)