Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) tied up with the Integrated Defense Staff of the Defense Ministry to provide better medical facilities to soldiers, sailors, and airmen posted in isolated places. The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2018 to set up satellite-enabled telemedicine nodes in various Air Force, Navy, and Army establishments. This joint initiative aims to transform the reach of emergency medical aid to the armed forces deployed at remote locations.
This program is especially promising for soldiers at the Siachen Glacier, where four more nodes were being established, in addition to an existing one. During the winter, many Siachen posts are often cut off from communication and do not receive regular medical services because of the adverse terrain and extreme weather conditions. Hence, this project will be instrumental in enabling teleconsultation services and the delivery of life-saving healthcare to soldiers.