The Medical Training Centre (MTC), Indian Air Force (IAF), conducted the 8th Allied and Healthcare Seminar on “Modernization of Primary Healthcare in Defence Forces to Meet the Modern War Scenario” on 17–18 August 2026.
The two-day seminar focused on enhancing the preparedness and operational capabilities of Medical Assistants and allied healthcare professionals to effectively respond to emerging challenges in the modern battlefield. The event provided a platform for professional development, knowledge exchange and deliberations on strengthening frontline medical support across the Defence Forces.
The seminar was inaugurated on 17 August 2026 by Air Vice Marshal SGS Datta, Principal Medical Officer, Headquarters Training Command (HQTC). Approximately 200 allied and healthcare professionals from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and Indian Navy participated in the event, along with delegates from the Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council (KAHC).
The seminar is a unique continuing medical education initiative within the Defence Forces, dedicated exclusively to Medical Assistants and conducted by Medical Assistants. It seeks to enhance professional competence and ensure that frontline medical personnel remain equipped to meet the evolving demands of military healthcare and operational medicine.
Focus on Modern Battlefield Healthcare:
The scientific sessions and interactive discussions during the seminar covered a range of contemporary issues concerning primary healthcare and operational preparedness. Key areas of deliberation included strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure across the Tri-Services, human resource development and training in defence healthcare, and operational, combat and disaster preparedness at the primary healthcare level.
The event also facilitated interaction among healthcare professionals and subject-matter experts, enabling participants to exchange operational experiences, share best practices and explore innovative approaches to addressing emerging healthcare challenges.
With the nature of warfare evolving rapidly, the seminar underscored the importance of a robust, agile and well-trained primary healthcare system capable of providing timely medical support during combat operations, disasters and other operational contingencies.
The initiative reaffirmed the Defence Forces’ continued focus on strengthening frontline medical preparedness, human-resource capability and integrated healthcare support, thereby enhancing the overall operational readiness of personnel in the modern warfare environment.
