LUCKNOW: Resident of Vikasnagar, Amritanshi Pandey has topped the 7th batch of BSc nursing undergraduate course from the College of Nursing, Command Hospital, Central Command, Lucknow. She was commissioned as lieutenant alongside 39 fellow cadets on Saturday into military nursing service, following a passing out parade at Officer Training College drill square of AMC Centre and College.
Liuentant general Mukesh Chadha, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Staff (COS), Central Command, was the Chief Guest & Reviewing Officer for the Commissioning Parade, who was accompanied by Maj Gen J Debnath, Commandant, Command Hospital, Central Command, Lucknow.
Eldest amongst four siblings, Lt Amritanshi completed her schooling from St Fidelis College. Both her parents, Jaug Prasad Pandey and Nisha Pandey are govt school teachers posted in Mall and Bakshi-Ka-Talab areas.
“During my tenure at Army School, Faizabad, as economics teacher, Amritanshi had developed an inclination towards defence forces. Since she excelled in academics, particularly in biology, she naturally opted for MNS service in 2020,” Amritanshi’s father told TOI.
Lieutenant Amritanshi was bestowed with the rolling trophy for best outgoing nursing cadet as well as for being distinguished as best in academics.
The four-year BSc nursing undergraduate course is affiliated to the King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, and recognised by the Indian Nursing Council (INC). Until 2021, the Directorate General of Medical Services (DGMS) conducted all India entrance tests for the course but since 2022, candidates secure admission through NEET.
The other cadets who distinguished themselves in the course were, Lt Amala TS and Lt Surya Benny from Kerala (Kollam and Ernakulam), who secured gold medal for achieving first and second position in final year university examinations respectively.
Lieutenant Riya Gautam of Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur received the rolling trophy for the best bedside nurse.
All four distinguished candidates hailed from civilian backgrounds and are pioneers in their families to join defence forces, as well as the medical profession.
“By the 17th of this month, all 40 newly commissioned officers shall join their first postings at various command hospitals and other substantial military medical care centres, where they shall refine their expertise for the next two years,” said Colonel V Sugirtha, principal of College of Nursing.
Brig Elsamma George, Brig MNS, Headquarters Central Command, administered the oath to the newly commissioned nursing officers, for commitment in caring for the tri-services clientele and to go wherever ordered by air, land or sea.