AFMS-IIT Kanpur Join Hands to Develop AI Diagnostic Models for Soldiers in Difficult Terrains

The establishment of the Armed Forces Centre for Computational Medicine is a significant milestone, being the first of its kind among medical colleges in India.

The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has joined hands with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur) to enhance the health and well-being of Indian soldiers stationed in challenging terrains.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two organizations on Thursday to formalize the partnership. The collaboration was inked in the presence of Lt Gen Daljit Singh, director general, AFMS, and Prof S Ganesh, officiating director, IIT-Kanpur,

IIT Kanpur aims to leverage cutting-edge research and technological advancements to tackle health-related challenges faced by military personnel.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

Under the joint initiative, both organizations will draft a comprehensive plan to develop new technologies and conduct research specifically aimed at addressing the unique health problems encountered by soldiers in difficult terrains.

One of the key initiatives under this MoU is the development of AI diagnostic models. IIT-Kanpur will provide its technical expertise to support this endeavor at the Armed Forces Centre for Computational Medicine, located within the Armed Forces Medical College.

The establishment of the Armed Forces Centre for Computational Medicine is a significant milestone, being the first of its kind among medical colleges in India.

This highlights the innovative approach being taken to military healthcare, with a focus on integrating advanced technologies into medical practice.

Additionally, the partnership encompasses a range of collaborative efforts including faculty exchange programs, joint academic activities, and the development of training modules, fostering an environment of learning and innovation.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Lt Gen Singh emphasized the AFMS's commitment to delivering the highest level of medical care to soldiers. He underscored the importance of collaborations with nationally renowned institutes such as IITs as crucial steps towards fulfilling this commitment.

Prof Ganesh echoed this sentiment, stressing the significance of inter-professional collaboration and the adoption of advanced technologies such as computational medicine and AI in healthcare.

AFMS Partnerships for Armed Forces Medical Care

In February this year, AFMS partnered with IIT Roorkee to foster advanced biomedical research to enhance medical support in combat scenarios and elevate the standard of patient care provided to the armed forces personnel.

This collaboration was to enable a faculty exchange program, the undertaking of joint academic activities, and the promotion of startups within the healthcare domain.

The MoU empowered Armed Forces Medical Services to utilize the expertise of IIT Roorkee in various fields including the development of novel medical devices, robotics, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Moreover, in January, under the Ministry of Defence AFMS partnered with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi for combined research and academic activities addressing multidisciplinary scientific and technological issues.