Rajnath Singh Urges AFMS to Boost Clinical Trials in India

India’s clinical trials ecosystem needs a serious upgrade, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh made that clear today while urging the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) to step up.

Speaking at an Army Medical Corps event, he said clinical trials must become a stronger pillar of India’s healthcare system, not just a side effort.

He stressed that countries leading in healthcare innovation treat research and trials as core functions. India, he said, must catch up by building a more structured and efficient system. AFMS, with its infrastructure and expertise, can play a meaningful role in this shift, especially in advancing clinical research in India.

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Rajnath Singh also highlighted the need to move beyond routine patient care. According to him, AFMS should actively contribute to medical research, generate new knowledge, and support innovation in treatment methods. This includes strengthening clinical trial frameworks and improving participation across institutions.

Another key focus was building a national medical data system. He called for standardized treatment protocols and a centralized database to support evidence-based decisions. A stronger data system could help scale successful treatments and improve healthcare outcomes across the country.

At the same time, Singh acknowledged a major challenge—doctors are heavily burdened with patient care, leaving little room for research. He emphasized the need to create balance so medical professionals can contribute to both treatment and innovation.

He also linked healthcare strength to national security, noting that confidence in medical systems directly impacts military readiness.

The push signals a broader effort to position India as a leader in clinical trials, medical research, and healthcare innovation.