In a major reform aimed at improving efficiency in aviation healthcare, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has authorised several private hospitals across India to conduct medical examinations for pilots and other licensed aviation professionals.
This decision marks the end of a decades-old system that required civil aviation personnel to undergo medical assessments at Indian Air Force (IAF) facilities a process long criticised by pilots’ associations as cumbersome and outdated.
According to a DGCA notification, ten private Aeromedical Evaluation Centres have been approved to carry out Class 1, 2, and 3 medical examinations for civil aviation licence holders. The new policy will take effect from November 15.
The empanelled hospitals include Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Indore, and Delhi, Max Multi Speciality Centre in New Delhi, Medanta Mediclinic in Gurugram, Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, and VM Medical Centre and Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. Among these, Nanavati Hospital has received special authorisation to perform Class 1 initial and re-initial medicals.
The shift to civilian centres is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and travel burdens for thousands of commercial pilots and crew members, who previously had to visit Air Force medical establishments like the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) in Bengaluru or the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME) in Delhi.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move as a crucial step toward aligning India’s aviation medical system with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
In a statement, the Airline Pilots’ Association of India commended the DGCA’s decision, calling it a “progressive measure that enhances transparency, professionalism, and global alignment.” The association noted that shifting all regular pilot medicals to civilian-approved centres will help eliminate administrative bottlenecks and promote a more pilot-friendly regulatory environment.
Until now, civilian pilots were required to undergo every fifth medical examination at IAF institutions such as IAM. Pilots’ groups had repeatedly highlighted issues like scheduling challenges, delays, and limited access under the earlier system.
