Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC)

Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Dhaka

The medical education system in Bangladesh has been evolving to keep pace with global advancements in medical science. Recognizing the need for a group of energetic, motivated, and dedicated young professionals to lead the health sector in the 21st century, the Bangladesh Armed Forces established the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC). The college was founded to respond to changes in medical education and technology and to produce doctors capable of serving both the Armed Forces and the nation effectively.

The Army Medical Corps (AMC) is responsible for maintaining the health and fighting strength of the Armed Forces during both war and peace. Since newly graduated doctors from existing medical colleges could not always meet the specific requirements of the Armed Forces, the government decided to establish AFMC. The goal is to train militarily motivated, high-quality medical graduates while also contributing skilled, disciplined doctors to the national healthcare system.

AFMC commenced its academic activities on 20 June 1999, starting with the induction of 56 medical cadets. The college is affiliated with the Bangladesh University of Professionals and recognized by the Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council (BMDC). To date, 25 batches comprising 2,368 students have been inducted. Many graduates have joined the Bangladesh Army, and others continue their academic journey, completing internships at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka. Admissions are merit-based, following the government directive AFMC Instruction-1/2003.

Aim of AFMC

The primary aim of AFMC is to train AMC cadets and AFMC cadets for five academic years according to the BMDC MBBS syllabus, creating highly skilled doctors for both the Armed Forces and national healthcare services.

Objectives of AFMC

  • Biomedical Education: Impart comprehensive knowledge of biomedical sciences to equip graduates with preventive and curative healthcare skills.
  • Discipline and Dedication: Produce disciplined, motivated, and dedicated doctors with strong ethical values, compassion, patience, and tolerance.
  • Military and Professional Training: Provide basic military training to ensure cadets are physically, mentally, and morally fit to serve in diverse and challenging environments.
  • Socioeconomic Awareness: Instill awareness of Bangladesh’s social and economic conditions to cultivate national values, ideals, and civic responsibility.
  • Leadership and Humanity: Inspire essential character development, a strong sense of righteousness, and a commitment to serving humanity.

Residential Life at AFMC

AFMC is a fully residential institution, and medical students are designated as Medical Cadets. Cadets must stay in college-provided dormitories and adhere to all rules regarding decorum, customs, and etiquette.

  • Separate dormitories are provided for male and female cadets.
  • Visiting hours are strictly regulated, with female cadet visitors approved only by parents/guardians.
  • Cadets are provided with messing, laundry, and allied services, paid through a cadet-managed fee.
  • Upon arrival, cadets receive uniforms and essential supporting items, funded by an outfit charge.

Holistic Development

AFMC emphasizes both academic and extracurricular activities to develop well-rounded medical cadets. Additional classes are conducted by experts in areas such as military life, leadership, English, computer skills, and social values.

Mandatory extracurricular activities help cadets:

  • Relieve stress from rigorous training schedules.
  • Enhance leadership, physical fitness, and moral development.

Clubs and Activities:

  • Debating Club
  • Culture Club
  • Journal Club

Sports Facilities:

  • Football
  • Cricket
  • Volleyball
  • Table Tennis
  • Badminton

Library and Learning Resources

AFMC boasts a spacious, well-equipped library with a large collection of books, journals, training videos, slides, and continuous annual updates.

  • Computer Lab: 20 computers with internet access for research and study purposes.
  • Cadets also have access to the AFMI library, which houses over 12,000 books covering all aspects of medical education.

Cafeteria

A cafeteria/canteen within the college premises provides light refreshments to cadets and visitors on a paid basis, ensuring a convenient and hygienic dining facility.