Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates India's first Military Medicine Department in Lucknow

On July 29, 2026, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the country's first dedicated Department of Military Medicine at Command Hospital, Central Command in Lucknow.

Singh said the new department will strengthen the armed forces by developing specialised medical protocols for challenges such as infectious diseases, heat and cold injuries, high‑altitude illnesses and threats from chemical, biological or radiological weapons.

The department will serve as a hub for research and development on operational health issues and support India's contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions.