DGCA expands pilot medical evaluation network with 10 new centres
These centres will operate in addition to the existing Indian Air Force Boarding Centres
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REUTERS
India’s aviation safety regulator has empanelled ten new Aeromedical Evaluation Centres (AMECs) across the country to accelerate and enhance the efficiency of the medical certification process for pilots and air traffic controllers.
Accordingly, the move by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is aimed at boosting the capacity and accessibility of class 1, 2, and 3 medical examinations.
The new centres, the DGCA said, have been strategically located to ensure nationwide coverage and faster turnaround times for medical assessments.
Earlier, only eight centres were authorised to conduct class 1 initial medical examinations.
However, the newly approved facilities have been entrusted with the full spectrum of DGCA medical evaluations including special, post temporary unfit, and age-specific medicals.
Notably, the Apollo Group of Hospitals has been approved to operate AMECs at five locations — New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Indore.
Other empanelled facilities include Nanavati Hospitals and VM Medical Care Centre in Mumbai, Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, and Max Multi Speciality Centre along with Medanta Medicity in New Delhi.
These centres will operate in addition to the existing Indian Air Force Boarding Centres.
According to the DGCA, the empanelled hospitals are equipped with advanced diagnostic infrastructure and dedicated specialists required for aeromedical evaluation.
Each centre, as per the regulator, will adhere strictly to its updated protocols, ensuring compliance with both national regulations and international standards laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Industry insiders pointed out that the current expansion will help reduce administrative bottlenecks and ensure the timely renewal of medical licences, a critical factor in mitigating potential pilot shortages.
Published on October 28, 2025
