Army Hospital Inaugurates Adult Vaccination & Bronchoscopy Suite

A Step Forward in Military Healthcare

The Army Hospital Research & Referral (R&R) in New Delhi has taken a major leap in healthcare services. On August 9, 2025, it inaugurated an Adult Vaccination Centre and a state-of-the-art Bronchoscopy Suite. The move reflects the Armed Forces’ commitment to preventive medicine and cutting-edge diagnostics for both military personnel and civilians.

The inauguration was led by Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair, Director General Medical Services (Army) and Senior Colonel Commandant. The event also saw the presence of Lt Gen Shankar Narayan, Commandant of the hospital, and Maj Gen Amul Kapoor, Deputy Commandant, along with other senior military medical officers.

Preventive Care: The Adult Vaccination Centre

The newly opened Adult Vaccination Centre will offer comprehensive immunisation services for eligible adults. This includes vaccines for Influenza, Pneumococcus, Hepatitis, and other preventable diseases.

Vaccination is no longer only a childhood requirement. With rising life expectancy and evolving health risks, adult immunisation plays a key role in preventing severe illness. The new facility ensures military personnel, veterans, and eligible civilians have easy access to these critical preventive measures.

According to WHO, adult vaccination can significantly reduce hospitalisation rates, particularly among high-risk groups such as the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and frontline workers.

Advanced Diagnostics: The Bronchoscopy Suite

The Bronchoscopy Suite at Army Hospital R&R is equipped with advanced technology for both diagnostic and therapeutic airway procedures.

Bronchoscopy allows doctors to directly view the airways, detect abnormalities, and even remove blockages. It is used in diagnosing conditions such as lung cancer, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia. With high-resolution imaging and minimally invasive tools, the new suite will greatly improve patient outcomes and recovery times.

Strengthening Military and Civilian Healthcare

Army Hospital R&R is known for setting benchmarks in healthcare within the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). These new facilities not only strengthen healthcare for active-duty personnel but also benefit veterans, defence families, and civilians referred to the hospital.

Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair emphasised the Armed Forces’ focus on both preventive and curative healthcare. “With these additions, we are enhancing our ability to protect health and save lives,” she said.

Why Adult Vaccination Matters Today

While childhood vaccination programs in India are well established, adult vaccination is still an emerging priority. Rising cases of preventable illnesses such as Hepatitis B, pneumonia, and seasonal flu highlight the need for increased awareness and accessibility.

Key benefits of adult vaccination:

• Reduces healthcare costs by preventing hospital admissions
• Protects vulnerable populations from severe illness
• Lowers transmission rates in communities
• Supports national health resilience during outbreaks

By making vaccines easily available in a military medical setting, the Army Hospital Adult Vaccination Centre could inspire similar initiatives nationwide.

Cutting-Edge Bronchoscopy for Better Lung Health

Lung health is a growing concern, especially in urban areas like Delhi, where pollution and respiratory diseases are on the rise. The new Bronchoscopy Suite will help detect and treat lung conditions earlier, leading to better patient outcomes.

Some of the services offered include:

• Diagnostic bronchoscopy for suspected lung disease
• Therapeutic bronchoscopy to remove airway blockages
• Endobronchial ultrasound for accurate tumour detection
• Biopsy procedures with minimal discomfort

With such facilities, the hospital can provide faster, more accurate diagnoses, enabling timely treatment for patients.

A Tradition of Excellence in Armed Forces Medicine

The Army Hospital Research & Referral is India’s premier military medical facility. It has a long history of pioneering treatments and setting national healthcare standards. From advanced trauma care to organ transplants, the hospital serves as a model for integrated military and civilian medical services.

The inauguration of the Adult Vaccination Centre and Bronchoscopy Suite is another milestone in its mission to deliver world-class healthcare.

Looking Ahead

The Army Hospital R&R continues to expand its services in line with modern medical needs. These new facilities will:

• Improve preventive healthcare through vaccination
• Strengthen respiratory diagnostics and treatment
• Serve as a training hub for military medical professionals
• Set an example for other institutions across India

The combination of preventive care and advanced diagnostics ensures a healthier, more resilient Armed Forces community.