2023 - Armed Forces Medical College | Commemorative Coin

The 16th commemorative coin of 2023 was released to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Armed Forces Medical College, Pune.

The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune is one of India’s premier medical institutions, known for its distinguished legacy, rigorous training, and unwavering commitment to producing exceptional medical professionals for the armed forces. Established in 1948, shortly after India’s independence, AFMC was created to address the need for a well-trained medical corps capable of providing high-quality healthcare to soldiers and contributing to the overall strength and readiness of the nation’s defence services. Over the decades, the institution has evolved into a centre of excellence in medical education, research, and clinical care.

AFMC is unique in its mission and structure. It operates under the Ministry of Defence and serves as the backbone of medical training for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The college offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs, along with nursing and paramedical courses, ensuring a comprehensive pipeline of skilled professionals for military healthcare. Admission to AFMC, especially to its MBBS program, is highly competitive, attracting some of the brightest students from across the country who aspire to combine medical service with national duty.

The training at AFMC goes far beyond traditional medical education. Alongside academic excellence, students are expected to maintain physical fitness, develop leadership qualities, and imbibe the discipline required of defence personnel. The curriculum integrates medical science with military ethos, preparing graduates to serve in diverse and challenging environments—from high-altitude posts and field hospitals to peacekeeping missions and disaster relief operations. This blend of medical expertise and military preparedness distinguishes AFMC graduates and equips them to meet the unique healthcare needs of the armed forces.

The campus itself is a vibrant and nurturing environment. Spread across a vast area in Pune, it houses state-of-the-art laboratories, well-equipped hospitals, research centres, and hostels, all dedicated to fostering holistic development. Students also benefit from the proximity to Command Hospital (Southern Command), one of the largest and most advanced military hospitals in India, which serves as a major teaching and training facility.

AFMC has made significant contributions to medical research and public health, particularly in areas of military medicine, infectious diseases, trauma care, and operational health challenges faced by soldiers. Its faculty and alumni have been recognized nationally and internationally for their expertise, dedication, and service. Many graduates go on to serve with distinction in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), holding key positions in military hospitals, field units, research establishments, and administrative roles.

The ethos of AFMC is deeply rooted in service, professionalism, and patriotism. Students who graduate from the institution carry forward a legacy defined by compassion, discipline, and commitment to the nation. Through its continued excellence in medical education and its critical role in safeguarding the health of India’s defence personnel, the Armed Forces Medical College remains a symbol of pride and an integral pillar of the country’s military strength.

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