Illustrated Weekly Magazine of the

Armed Force of India

September 14, 1952

Prior to April 3, 1943, the Indian Medical Department consisted of two branches, namely Assistant Surgeon Branch for duty ordinarily with British troops of the Army in India (IMD British Cadre), and Sub-Assistant Surgeon Branch for duty ordinarily with the Indian Army. After the outbreak of World War II, the latter Branch was designated as Assistant Surgeons (IMD Indian Cadre).

Recruitment for the above two branches was made in India. The terms and conditions of service in these departments differed mainly in the following respects :

Europeans, domiciled Europeans and Anglo-Indians only were eligible for appointment to this Cadre. Recruits for this Department were first selected for training as military medical students. They were required to have passed Intermediate Science Examination of a recognised Indian University or any other examination equivalent there to, and after selection they were required to undergo a prescribed course of study in preparation for the M.B.B.S. degree of the Universities of Calcutta, Madras or Bombay. During the period of training they received a stipend of Rs. 60 per month. They were required to complete the same course as for the under-graduates in the Medical College, at the termination of which they were examined by a special board. Subsequent to 1937-38, they were required to appear for the MBBS Degree examination of one of the three Universities. Those who were successful in the above examination were appointed into the IMD as IVth Class Assistant Surgeons (Sub-Conductor). They were subject to the Army Act. Promotion to Departmental commissioned ranks upto the rank of Major were admissible on a fixed percentage basis.

Recruitment into the Indian Cadre (IMD) was made from among applicants who possessed qualifications of L.S.M.F. or L.M.P. or equivalent thereto and were directly appointed as Warrant Officers Class II. After 5 years’ service as such, they were promoted to the rank of Jemadar. In April 1943, the rank of Jemadar was abolished and these individuals were given the rank of Sub.Class II, upto 12 years’ service and later Sub Class 1. Promotions to the rank of Sub-Maj. and Honorary commissioned ranks were also admissible on a fixed percentage basis.

Consequent on the formation of the AMC with effect from April 3, 1943 members of both the Departments were transferred en bloc to that Corps. Selected personnel were granted Emergency Commissions in the AMC for the duration of the War and during such time thereafter as their services were required.

While holding Emergency Commissions, these officers are eligible for promotion to the substantive rank of ‘Major’ after completion of 10 years’ full pay commissioned service (including ante-date). These promotions are being gradually notified in the Gazette of India.

For the Regular and SSRC Cadres of the AMC, a University degree is essential. Individuals holding licentiate qualifications are eligible. Emergency Commissioned Officers, who had Graduate Medical qualifications, were considered for Regular Commission, provided they were suitable and within the prescribed age limit. Certain Licentiate Officers were also selected for Condensed MBBS Course, and after successful completion of the course have been granted Regular Commission in the AMC. This has since been discontinued.

In accordance with para 2 of A.I. 10/8/49, as amended. Emergency Commissioned Officers of the Ex-IMD are not eligible for the grant of Regular Commissions in the AMC (Non-Technical). This type of commission is intended for O.Rs of the AMC.

In accordance with the terms under which they were granted Emergency Commissions, individuals who have not been selected for Regular Commission in the AMC, are required to revert to their former or entitled status. Such reverted personnel will serve under their original terms as amended from time to time.

These Officers have subsequently been given option for release or reversion and special terms for release have been issued vide A.I. 49/S/47 as amended. These terms have been issued after very careful consideration. Due to difference in the terms and conditions under which the JCOs of the other Arms and Services were originally recruited to the Indian Army and subsequently granted Emergency Commissions, the pensionary terms laid down in A.I. 14/42, are not to be extended to members of the late IMD.

Members of the late IMD/IC not granted Emergency Commissions in the AMC, are entitled to a minimum pension of
Rs 105 per month on completion of 30 years’ total service.