(a) To advise the Captain in such preventive and remedial measures as are conducive to preservation of health and welfare of the ship’s company.
(b) To treat the sick and the wounded placed under his care and be responsible to decide the correct disposal commensurate with the physical and mental fitness of the patient at the time of his discharge from sickbay.
(c) To demand from the Logistics officer, articles of diet, extras and medical comforts necessary for the use of the patients admitted in the sickbay.
(d) To be in-charge of the medical department, sickbay and medical assistants.
(e) To be responsible for the provision, replenishment and accounting of medical stores and equipment and the preparation of vital statistics.
(f) To be responsible for continued training of sailors of the medical branch placed under his charge.
(g) To examine and report upon the health of all ranks of the Navy, as may be necessary.
(h) To examine civilians, when required by the Administrative Authority.
(i) Such other duties as detailed in regulations for the medical services of the Armed Forces or prescribed from time to time by their Captains.
0806. Authority in Sick Bay. (1) He shall judge what patients should remain in the Sick Bay, and when necessary, will apply to the Captain for any further requisites that may be needed for the sick. In the case of much sickness on board or any emergency, the Captain shall, at the request of the Medical officer, detail as many attendants as may be necessary and available.
(2) In ships where no medical branch sailors are borne, the Captain shall detail a sailor to work under the Medical officer as medical assistant. The sailor so detailed should not be changed frequently.
0807. Transfer of Sick. He shall arrange for the transfer to hospital or sickbay ashore of such sick personnel as he considers to be unfit for duty and unsuitable for treatment on board, and at his discretion, he shall arrange a sick attendant to accompany such patients.
0808. Medical Examination. (1) He shall carry out the necessary medical examination of officers and sailors ordered on operational service. He shall inspect sailors joining the ship on the morning after joining whether from another ship as recruits, or on return from leave.
(2) He shall inspect six monthly or more frequently if necessary all sailors in his medical charge to satisfy himself as to their physical fitness. Whenever special examinations are made, each individual sailors shall be examined by the Medical officer in private and in the presence of a third person who should be a Medical Assistant, if possible, or a MCPO/CPO/PO. Medical examination of food handlers is to be carried out every month.
(3) He shall examine medically all civilians’ employ in ships and establishments when they join, and also on all occasions when the ship’s company is subjected to medical examination.
(4) He shall examine medically sailors who desire to extend their service or reenroll and when doing so he is to inspect their medical records. Such sailors are not to be rejected for minor defects or trivial aliments which are not likely to interfere with their duties but the facts are to be noted on their medical examination reports. In cases of fitness, the Medical officer’s certificate shall be accepted as final, but cases of sailors considered unfit shall be finally decided by a medical board.
(5)In the case of persons re-entering for further periods of Naval service, the examining officer may exercise his discretion and accept persons with minor defects, who may be desirable candidates from service point of view. The applicant’s medical records should, however, be consulted whenever practicable so that persons who are subjected to chronic complaints may not be accepted.
(6) He shall examine medically men in the Indian Naval Auxiliary Service.
This examination shall be limited to ascertaining their physical fitness for further duty according to the average of their class and length of service. They are not to be rejected on account of minor disabilities.
(7) When directed by them Captain to examine sailors, the medical officers shall not only examine their persons very carefully, to ascertain whether they are fit for the Service, but he shall also inquire very particularly into their previous history, so as to be able to judge whether there is any risk of their bringing infection into the ship.
(8) When ordered to do so, the Medical officer shall proceed on recruiting duty for the medical examination of recruits for the Indian Navy.
0809. Preventive Immunisation. (1) All persons entering service shall be immunised against Enteric groups of fever, Tetanus and when necessary protected against other diseases. Immunisation will be carried out as per the laid down Administrative instructions.
(2) The Principal Medical officer (PMO)/Medical officer of a ship/establishment shall satisfy himself that all personnel under his care have been successfully immunised. He shall furnish the Command Medical officer/Fleet Medical officer through his Captain with a preventive immunisation return, showing the percentage protected in accordance with current orders.
(3) Entries of preventive immunisation shall be made in the Naval Pay book.
(4)When preventive immunisation is required to be carried out on board a ship in a foreign port, he shall contact the local port health medical authorities for carrying out the immunological procedure.
0810. Physical Training. He shall keep himself informed on all matters concerning the physical training of sailors and shall give his advice on such subjects specially with regard to new entries.
0811. Inspection of Ship. (1) He shall be the adviser to Captain on all sanitary matters. He shall carry out sanitary rounds of the ship atleast once in a month. He shall report to the Captain any defects, which he may no0tice and a record of such defects together with his recommendations for remedying them, shall be entered in a sanitary diary maintained for the purpose. This sanitary diary will be submitted to Command Medical officer/Fleet Medical officer once in a quarter. During sanitary round of the ship, MO/PMO will be accompanied by First Lieutenant/officer so detailed by captain of the ship.
(2) He shall satisfy himself that there is no avoidable over crowding and that all quarters, galleys, wash basins, lavatories etc. are suitably lighted and provided with sufficient means of ventilation, and that they are clean and in a satisfactory condition.
He shall survey and report on the habitability state of the ship from time to time.
0812. Ventilation and Clothing. Suggestions for suitable clothing to be worn in varying climates shall be made by him to the Captain as necessary.
0813. Water Supply. (1) He shall satisfy himself that the quantity, quality and arrangements for the distribution of drinking water are satisfactory.
(2) When water tanks are cleaned, the work shall be carried ojut under his supervision.
0814. General Health of the Ship. (1) His attention is not to be confined exclusively to men on the sick list, but he shall also watch attentively every circumstance likely to affect the health of the ship generally. Should he suspect the presence of disease or indisposition in any man, he is at once to examine and deal with him as may be appropriate (see also Regulation 0811). No perishable food items suspected of turning inedible or injurious to health will be disposed of without the inspection of Medical officer.
(2) Supervision of Food. The wholesomeness of the food supplied on board is an important part of his responsibilities, concerning which he shall collaborate with the Logistics officer. He shall pay particular attention to meat, milk, mineral water, tinned provision, fruit and vegetables. If he should have reason to suspect anything of a deleterious nature, he should immediately inform the Captain in order that investigation may be made and, if necessary, steps taken to prevent its issue.
0815. Sexually Transmitted Disease. (1) Sexually transmitted disease is one of the major causes of loss of effective manpower; prevention and cure of these diseases are, therefore, of utmost importance.
(2) Orders and instructions issued from time to time in regard to the treatment, leave and disposal of personnel suffering from sexually transmitted disease shall be followed.
(3) Concealment of disease, especially sexually transmitted disease, is a punishable offence.
0816. Infectious Diseases. (1) When a case of infectious disease occurs on board, he shall at once apprise his Captain and take necessary action for its notification in accordance with orders issued from time to time.
(2) Cases of infectious diseases shall, if practicable, be sent to the nearest hospital/sickbay ashore as soon as possible or also isolated in any suitable part of the ship.
(3) He shall decide the necessity for disinfections which shall be carried out under his supervision in accordance with the approved procedure.
0817. Infectious Diseases Precautions. He shall advise the Captain on the precautions to be taken against infectious diseases. Detailed instructions with regard to precautions against infectious diseases contained in Regulations for the Medical Services of the Armed Forces shall be followed.
0818. Infectious Diseases Amongst Naval Personnel Moving or About to Move. When a communicable disease occurs amongst the ship’s company, within a few days of movement of a ship under orders, to sailors amongst those transferred to a ship, a signal shall be sent by the Captain to the Administrative Authority concerned, Naval Headquarters and the Embarkation Commandant vide item 115 of IAFZ 2000.
When the quarantine period is completed and the ship or the personnel who reported on transfer are clear of infection, all relevant information as per instructions shall be forwarded by signal to the above-mentioned authorities.
0819. Mental Cases. (1) As soon as a mental or suspected mental case comes under his observation, the Medical officer shall arrange constant supervision and ensure that the individual is deprived of all articles with which he might injure himself or others.
(2) He shall arrange, as soon as possible, for transfer of the individual, duly escorted, to the nearest hospital/sickbay ashore.
0820. Injuries. When an officer or sailor is maimed or injured except in action or when immediately fatal, the Medical officer shall make a report on form IAFY 2006 to the Captain of the injured. (For detailed instructions see orders issued from time to time).
0821. Malingering. Whenever in the course of his duties, the Medical officer shall discover that any person has wilfully produced, concealed, aggravated or feigned any disease to the prejudice of the service, he shall report the particulars of the case to the Captain so that, if deemed advisable the offender may be punished as the case shall deserve. (See section 61 of the Navy Act, 1957 and orders issued from time to time).
0822. Wounded Men. (1) He shall take care that every preparation is made for the accommodation and treatment of the wounded. When clearing for action he, and others appointed to assist him shall report to their respective stations.
(2) Treatment on Board. The following instructions, indicating the broad lines on which the wounded should be treated on board a vessel of war, shall be observed: -
(a) It may be possible during an action to bring the wounded to the dressing stations, and thus clear the fighting parts of the ships, but in other ships all that can be done is to place the wounded in a comfortable position near where they fall, and out of the way of combatants.
(b) Nothing but first aid should be attempted during action. It is probable that opportunities will occur during lulls when the Captain of a ship may summon, by some pre-determined broadcast, the Medical officer and his staff to render assistance whenever it may be required.
(c) The Medical officer’s life is of the greatest possible value when regarded from the standpoint of the sick and wounded. For this reason he sould be stationed under the best possible protection.
(d) A distributing station should be determined upon (iof not laid down in the ship’s design) where all medical stores, instruments etc., should be placed for their conservation and whence the ‘first aid’ supplies can be replenished. In addition to this station, provision should be made for the supply of ‘first aid’ in other parts of the ship
(e) The most suitable place for the treatment of wounded after action in all classes of ships will probably be some portion of the upper deck properly screened in, so as to afford some protection against the weather and yet to permit of free ventilation. Failing the use of the upper deck for this purpose owing to objections, which might at the time be considered paramount the places selected must be the very best the ship can offer. In the event of the possibility of a further action being fought it will be essential to remove the wounded to spaces between decks under whatever protection can be obtained.
(f) In selecting a situation for the performance of pressing operations and other surgical work after action, the choice must be governed by the conditions, which obtain at the time. In many ships it is probable that the best possible space will be found on the upper deck. Between decks, the Captain’s cabin is probably the most suitable place, taking into consideration questions of light, ventilation etc, and its temporary occupation would inconvenience the least number of persons.
(3) Instructions in First Aid.
(a) He shall arrange for the instruction of officers and sailors in the principles of first aid to the injured and shall be responsible that the necessary appliances for use by those instructed are readily available in the parts of the ship where they will be needed in action.
(b) He shall pay particular attention in the first aid training of those sailors detailed to assist him in action and after wards, such sailors are, in addition to first aid, to be given instruction in some of the simple nursing procedures.
(c) The syllabus to be used is that laid down in the manual ‘First Aid in the Navy’, two copies of which are supplied to each ship. The conduct, the duration and the qualifying requirements will be as per current Navy Orders. The fact that a sailor has qualified in first aid is to be noted on his service certificate.
(d) A minimum of 25 percent of the complement should be qualified in first aid.
(e) Sailors are to be re-examined if the notations on their service certificates are more than four years old, and subsequently at intervals of four years from the date of the last examination .
(4)Health Lectures. He shall deliver health lectures to the ships company and a record of such lectures shall be maintained. The subject matter of such lectures is left to his discretion except that prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), Family Welfare Programme and First Aid (Specially during Nuclear Biological and Chemical Warfare) shall be included.
0823. Sudden Deaths. See regulations 2902 to 2905.
0824. Prophylaxis of Mosquito borne Diseases. He shall arrange to institute personal preventive measures and suppressive treatment in respect of the two important diseases, i.e., malaria and filarial according to the existing instructions in malarious/filarious districts and especially to all personnel proceeding on leave or duty.
0825. Merchant Ships. He shall render every assistance when an emergent or surgical treatment is required on board a merchant ship. For services rendered, no charge will be made, except recovery of the cost of the public stores expended.
0826. Signature on Documents. He shall sign as ‘Medical Officer’ all reports and returns having a medical bearing, medical board proceedings and documents in respect of all personnel. Such medical documents shall be treated as confidential and forwarded to higher medical authority through medical channels.
0827. Statistics and Records. He shall maintain such books and records and render such reports and returns as are ordered from time to time.
0828. Medical Documents. (1) The provisions of Regulations 3402 apply with particular force to official medical documents. Officers and sailors who have access to them are specially cautioned against divulging the contents, without obtaining special authority, to any person not normally officially entitled to know of them, this includes any information regarding attributability of a disability to or aggravation by service.
(2) The above instruction is not to be construed in any way to hinder the Medical officer from affording access to the patient/the relatives of the patient under treatment to the official documents. The medical officer shall apprise the patient/his relatives of his present condition, treatment being given to him and the progress of the treatment.
Note: - The Medical officer may use his discretion in the matter of informing the patient of his present condition/treatment etc., where he feels that such a information is likely to adversely affect treatment of such patient. The next of kin/relatives of patient however will be informed of the patient’s condition, progress and treatment.
(3) Medical Documents in respect of officers and sailors shall be completed and maintained in accordance with the orders issued from time to time.
0829. Hospital Dietary. He shall demand from the Logistics officer such articles of diet, extras and medical comforts, according to authorised scales issued by Government from time to time, as he may consider necessary for the use of the sick.
In this respect, while providing fully for the comfort and subsistence of those for whom the ordinary ration is unsuitable, he shall do so in the most economical manner possible.
0830. Medical Information. As he is afforded opportunities of obtaining medical information of the places he visits while on board Naval ships, he shall report all the information in the form prescribed from time to time.
0831. Transfer to Successor. He shall deliver the whole of the stores in his charge by survey to his successor or in his absence to the authorised person on being relieved alongwith handing over notes.
0832. Ship not Carrying a Medical Officer. In a ship not carrying a Medical officer, the Captain shall detail an officer to take charge of medical stores and equipment according to the authorised scale, and these stores shall be properly accounted for. The medical stores shall be replenished as necessary. The Captain shall keep a daily sick book in which the Medical officers visiting the ship shall enter the necessary particulars including diagnosis and treatment. The Captain shall be informed on each occasion entries are made so that medical returns may be complied when necessary.
0833-0835- Blank.
SECTION III – INSTRUCTION TO DENTAL OFFICERS
0836. (1) Dental Services-Organisation.
(a) Dental Adviser (Navy)
(b) Officer-in-Charge Dental Centres of ships and establishments.
(c) Specialised Dental Officers.
(d) Dental Officer.
(2) Administration.
(a) The senior most Dental Officer posted to IN Ships/Hospitals/Establishments shall be Officer-in-Charge and Head of Department of the Dental Centre. He will be under the administrative control of the Commanding officer of IN Ships/hospitals/establishments.
(b) Specialist Dental Officers/Dental Officers when posted as second officer will work under officer-in-charge, Dental Centre.
(c) Senior most Dental Officer in the Fleet will be designated as the Fleet Dental Officer.
(3) Duties of Dental Adviser (Navy)/Officer-in-Charge, Naval Dental Centre.
(a) Dental Adviser (Navy) will be the adviser to the Chief of the Naval Staff on all matters of Dental administration and treatment.
(b) Office-in-Charge Dental Centre: -
(i) He is responsible for the smooth and efficient running of his department.
(ii) He is responsible for the discipline, welfare and personal matters of officers, sailors and civilians placed under his charge.
(iii) He is responsible for the planning inspection, documentation and treatment of all troops placed under his care. For this purpose he will keep a close liaison with Commanding officers of ships/establishments. Army and Air Force units in and around station. He is to ensure that inspection of personnel is carried out in a phased manner so that all personnel are inspected well in time during each year.
(iv) He is to ensure that treatment of all priority I & II cases are completed as early as possible and as many as possible priority III cases are completed during the year.
(v) He is to ensure that treatment and advice to patients is given promptly and that there is no unusual delay in providing treatment to patients.
(vi) He is responsible for the correct and timely preparation of all reports and returns pertaining to his department.
(vii) He will be responsible for the care, custody, cleanliness and accounting of buildings, equipment, furniture, fittings and stores of his department. He will ensure that strict economy is used in the expenditure of materials and stores. He will maintain proper books, ledgers and vouchers as are required by audit authorities.
(c) Specialist Dental Officers. He shall: -
(i) Carry out dental inspection/selection/treatment of all enrolled personnel under cover and all other entitled personnel as per the direction given by Officer-in-charge, Dental Centre
(ii) Take up the cases of his speciality and keep an up-to-date treatment record of these cases.
(iii)Be responsible for proper maintenance and up keep of various equipment in the Dental Surgery.
(iv)Carry out the duties as directed by Officer-in-Charge Dental Centre.
(d)Dental Officer. (i) In addition to his normal dental duties, he shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by his Captain.
(ii) He shall instruct the ship’s company in the principles of oral hygiene, by lectures and demonstrations.
(iii)He, in consultation with the Captain, shall arrange dental inspection of all persons within a month of their enrolment and subsequently once a year. If he is of the opinion that an individual is not taking sufficient care of his teeth, he shall bring this fact to the notice of the Captain of the individual. Priority for dental inspection/treatment shall be given in accordance with the procedure laid down regulations for Medical Services of the Armed Forces.
(iv)He shall inform the Medical officer promptly of any case which may require medical attention. Should it appear necessary to admit a patient to the sick list, he shall report the circumstances to the Medical Officer, who shall take such action as may be necessary.
(v)Dental treatment/artificial dentures will be provided to personnel in accordance with their entitlement, regulation for which are contained in Regulations for the Medical Services of the Armed Forces.
0837. General (1) The Commanding Officer of ships/establishments/hospitals are to ensure that the ships company is inspected once every calendar year.
(2) The commanding Officer shall issue ma completion certificate as per current orders.
(3) The Commanding Officer shall make the personnel available for dental inspection and treatment as and when required by the Dental Centre.
(4)Incoming/Outgoing routine will be routed through Dental Centre to ensure that 100% inspection/treatment is completed.
0838-0840.Blank.
SECTION IV – INSTRUCTIONS TO NURSING OFFICERS