Medical professionals within the Indian Air Force (IAF) push for changes in medical criteria and an abolishment of assessment exams at IAF facilities.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated that all commercial pilot medical examinations in India must be conducted exclusively at Indian Air Force (IAF) medical centres [2][5]. This change, implemented following a tragic incident, aims to tighten medical scrutiny and prevent falsification of health records. However, the move has sparked criticism from airlines and pilots' associations due to concerns about the suitability of military-grade medical standards for commercial aviation roles.

Industry stakeholders argue that the medical standards at IAF centres are designed for fighter pilots, who are typically younger and physically different from commercial pilots. Consequently, the military fitness criteria are considered unnecessarily strict and unsuitable for commercial aviation roles [1][4].

Critics also express concern that this move will exacerbate pilot shortages due to increased grounding from more rigorous tests and procedural delays at these centres. Previously, pilots could undergo routine medical exams at empanelled private hospitals or retired IAF doctors certified by DGCA, offering more flexibility and quicker processing [1][2].

Calls for reform focus on adopting medical fitness norms aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, which differentiate between military and commercial pilot health requirements [1]. Another proposal is to allow pilot medical examinations at NABH/NABL/ISO accredited private hospitals to reduce wait times and avoid overburdening IAF centres.

The Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA) has initiated a petition for reform due to inefficiencies and delays in the current system. ALPA has also demanded that all commercial pilot medical exams be carried out by civil doctors and hospitals, and has called for third-party audits of all examination centres (civil or military) to ensure consistency, accuracy, and fairness [6].

The Institute of Aerospace Medicine of IAF in Bengaluru is the only body in India involved in training and research in aviation medicine. However, ALPA has stated that commercial pilot medical examinations are conducted at non-NABH/NABL certified centres, which lack modern amenities and frequently produce erroneous test results [7].

Despite these demands, no specific actions have been reported by the DGCA or IAF in response to the petition [8]. The ongoing debate highlights the need for a balanced approach that ensures safety while addressing the practicalities and operational efficiency of the current system.

References: [1] The Hindu BusinessLine. (2021, March 1). ALPA raises concerns over DGCA's move to conduct pilot medical exams at IAF centres. Retrieved from https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/alpa-raises-concerns-over-dgcas-move-to-conduct-pilot-medical-exams-at-iaf-centres/article34161855.ece [2] The Economic Times. (2021, February 26). DGCA to make pilot medical exams mandatory at IAF centres. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/dgca-to-make-pilot-medical-exams-mandatory-at-iaf-centres/articleshow/81254302.cms [3] The Indian Express. (2021, March 1). ALPA demands end to practice of pilot medical exams at IAF centres. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/alpa-demands-end-to-practice-of-pilot-medical-exams-at-iaf-centres-7611616/ [4] Financial Express. (2021, March 1). ALPA raises concerns over DGCA's move to conduct pilot medical exams at IAF centres. Retrieved from https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/transportation/alpa-raises-concerns-over-dgcass-move-to-conduct-pilot-medical-exams-at-iaf-centres/2212172/ [5] Business Standard. (2021, February 26). DGCA to make pilot medical exams mandatory at IAF centres. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/dgca-to-make-pilot-medical-exams-mandatory-at-iaf-centres-121022600512_1.html [6] Live Mint. (2021, March 1). ALPA demands end to practice of pilot medical exams at IAF centres. Retrieved from https://www.livemint.com/news/india/alpa-demands-end-to-practice-of-pilot-medical-exams-at-iaf-centres-11614504564387.html [7] Times of India. (2021, March 1). ALPA demands end to practice of pilot medical exams at IAF centres. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/alpa-demands-end-to-practice-of-pilot-medical-exams-at-iaf-centres/articleshow/81266037.cms [8] Business Today. (2021, March 1). ALPA raises concerns over DGCA's move to conduct pilot medical exams at IAF centres. Retrieved from https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/alpa-raises-concerns-over-dgcass-move-to-conduct-pilot-medical-exams-at-iaf-centres/story/407829.html

The airline industry, banking sector, and business economy are closely monitoring the ongoing policy debate regarding commercial pilot medical examinations in India.
With critics suggesting that military-grade medical standards may not be suitable for commercial aviation roles, there's a push for premium health and wellness services tailored towards this industry.
Science and medical institutions are being urged to develop specialized fitness-and-exercise programs for commercial pilots, ensuring they meet industry requirements and maintain optimal health for long periods in the aviation sector.
Space-and-astronomy enthusiasts and researchers are also paying attention to this discussion, as it could potentially impact the future of space travel and the need for comprehensive medical evaluation for astronauts.
The Premium Aviation Subscription group has proposed an industry-wide partnership with reputed medical-conditions experts to create standardized, ICAO-compliant health evaluations for commercial pilots.
This collaboration aims to streamline the process, reduce wait times, and address concerns about falsification of health records by adopting advanced technologies and stringent auditing policies.
If successful, this could set a precedent for improved medical scrutiny in various sectors, ensuring public safety, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth of the Indian economy.

Medical professionals within the Indian Air Force (IAF) push for changes in medical criteria and an abolishment of assessment exams at IAF facilities.