AFMC organises sports medicine workshop,may offer specialisation

According to Lt Col Apoorv Dixit,organising secretary,Sports Medicine is the medical specialty responsible for continuous care,enhancement of health,fitness and athletic performance through pro-active scientific interventions. It also deals with prevention of sports relate injuries and rehabilitation after any injury or illness of an individual engaged in physical exercise and sports. Sports Medicine can also contribute towards reduction in health care costs by focusing special attention on prevention of “Lifestyle diseases” which are caused by declining levels of physical activity at all ages. This field of Medical science can also help all people suffering from pain,mobility restriction and the psychological effects of such problems apart from athletes. It can help all people of all ages who are concerned about heir physical fitness.

The keynote address was delivered by Maj Gen SA Cruze VSM & Bar,MG (Med) Western Command. He traced the evolution of Sports Medicine and highlighted the role played by a structured scientific approach to the preparation of sportspersons to make them competitive at the International level. He pointed out that the only formal training in Sports Medicine available in India was a two year Diploma Course being run by the National Institute of Sports at Patiala. Ever since the Medical Council of India had withdrawn recognition for the course,there is not recognized post- graduate medical course available in Sports Medicine in the entire country. Therefore,an attempt is being made to utilize the infrastructure available at Armed Forces Medical College,Sports Medicine Centre and Army Sports Institute to start a formal post- graduate training programme in Sports Medicine. He underscored the need to develop this speciality in the country to keep pace with aspirations for outstanding performance by sportspersons in the International arena.

In his closing address and vote of thanks,Lt Gen D P Vats,SM,VSM,director & commandant,( AFMC),Pune said that the a six-month diploma programme is being planned under the aegis of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences,Nashik. At a later date,efforts will be made to start a full-fledged Post- graduation programme with award of either DNB or MD in Sports Medicine.