INHS Asvini Bags Trophy for Best Armed Forces Hospital

New Delhi, June 13 (UNI) The Mumbai-based naval medical establishment Indian Naval Hospital Ship Asvini has bagged the Defence Minister's Running Trophy for the Best Armed Forces Hospital for the year 2005.

Hospital Commandant Surgeon Rear Admiral VK Saxena received the trophy from Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee at a function here today.

On the occasion, the Minister commended the role of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) for their examplery role in times of war and peace. No relief work can be carried out effectively without the active participation of the Armed Forces Medical Services personnel, he said.

Congratulating the Indian Naval Hospital for bagging the trophy and the cash prize of Rs Two Lakh, the Minister said such competitions encouraged continuous improvement in the spectrum and quality of health-care services.

INHS Asvini is an 825-bedded hospital attending to all serving and retired Armed Forces personnel and their families including coast guard personnel and defence civilian.

It is the only hospital in the Armed Forces which comprises heritage buildings and a magnificent modern multi-storeyed structure where research and training are integral parts and has facilities for hyperbaric oxygen therapy which is not generally available in civil/private hospitals.

Besides, this hospital has its own plans for disaster management and nuclear, chemical and biological warfare which are practiced regularly with trained personnel and equipment.

A dust and noise-free hospital with availability of latest diagnostics and treatment facilities, team of qualified and dedicated staff, the positive professional attitude of naval personnel and location of the hospital facing Arabian sea not only make INHS Asvini unique in the Armed Forces but also in India.

The Defence Minister's Running Trophy was instituted in 1989 to give recognition to the best functioning hospital among the Command Hospitals of the Army and equivalent status hospitals of the Navy and the Air Force.

UNI DG RL VV1955