Navy commissions its 9th Hospital at INA, Ezhimala, Kerala

Indian Naval Hospital Ship 'Navjivani' Commissioned at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala in Kerala

A new naval hospital, 9th in series, christened as 'INHS Navjivani' was commissioned at Indain Naval Academy, Ezhimala by Surgeon Vice-Admiral AC Anand, Director General Medical Services (Navy). The literal meaning of 'Navjivani' (a Hindi word) is 'the bestower of new life '. The Hospital is located in the serene surroundings amidst the pristine beauty of the seven hills at Ezhimala. The establishment is a 60-bed hospital complex, spread over an area of 10,500 sq.m. and has been completed over a span of five years.Defence Minister A K Antony had laid the foundation stone for this building on 30th April 2007.

The commissioning ceremony consisted of Surgeon Captain Sandeep Singh Khanuja, Commanding Officer of INHS Navjivani, reading out the commissioning warrant, hoisting of the Naval Ensign for the first time and hoisting of the commissioning pennant. Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, and Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, Commandant INA, along with other naval, service and civil dignitaries were also present during the ocassion.

The hospital is well equipped with requisite facilities, having an array of advanced equipment and infrastructure, such as an advanced Anaesthesia Departments, a Modular Operation Theatre, Computerized Radiography and Transport Ventilators.The hospital is presently manned by five doctors and 40 Staff personnel. Inaugurating the facility, Vice Admiral AC Anand informed the gathering that it will be very soon that Gynecology and Pediatric departments also starts functioning.

The hospital was conceptualized in 2004 to cater primarily to the health care needs of INA cadets and trainees and the officials. Vice Admiral AC Anand, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command stated that the facilities of the hospital would also provided to the Defence Security Corps (DSC) and Territorial Army's 122 Infantory Battalion, based at Kannur district along with Ex Servicemen setteled in and around Malabar region. The services would also be available to the local people during emergency situation(s).