AFMC Pune is a premier medical institute acknowledged globally as a centre of excellence for education, research, and patient care and is being awarded President’s Colour on 1st December 2023. It was established in May 1948 as a post–graduate teaching institution after World War II on the recommendation of Shri BC Roy Committee. The AFMC Graduate Wing was added on 04 Aug 1962, to train medical graduates for Indian Armed Forces.The institution plays a crucial role in training a pool of specialists and super specialists for the Armed Forces, thus directly impacting the quality of medical care extended to soldiers, veterans, and their dependents.
AFMC stands as a cornerstone of excellence in medical education and healthcare provision for the Indian Armed Forces. Over the last seven decades, this premier institution has been instrumental in training doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals with the motto of, “Sarve Santu Niramaya” emphasizing quality medical education tailored to meet the unique needs of the Armed Forces.
Recognized for its exceptional contributions, AFMC has consistently ranked among the top medical colleges in India. The National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC) gave it the highest rating ever given to any medical institution in the nation, underscoring its academic expertise.
The institution’s alumni comprise distinguished individuals excelling in diverse fields, such as healthcare, art, and sports. Alumni of the college have been honoured with prestigious civilian awards including Padma Bhushan to Dr Maharaj K Bhan, Padma Shri to Dr Arvind Lal& Dr Ashok Rajgopal and Arjuna award to DrOtilia Mascarenhas to name a few. College hasproduced outstanding sportsmen with Lt Gen Yogendra Singh winning agold medal in triple jump at Asian games, Colombo, Lt Gen Susainathan Anthony Cruze was a member of Indian hockey team at Montreal Olympics, Dr Otilia Mascarenhas captained theIndian women hockey team.
During peacetime, AFMC dedicates itself to teaching and training undergraduate and postgraduate students across medical, nursing, dental, and paramedical disciplines. In wartime, the institution’s faculty supports operational commitments by deploying surgical teams and reinforcing medical capacities at various field medical units and hospitals.
The college actively fosters medical research, with faculty and students contributing significantly to publications in national and international journals, textbooks, manuals, and guidelines. Notably, AFMC is distinguished for publishing two medical research journals on behalf of DGAFMS, making it among the few institutions with such a commitment to scholarly publications.
The honour of bestowing the President’s Colour upon Armed Forces Medical College Pune by the President of India is a testament to its exceptional service, acknowledging its pivotal role in training armed forces personnel and its significant contributions to medical education in India.