title: Ex-Servicemen Medical Aid Group (ESMAG) : The Hidden Force.
abstract: Natural calamities such as cyclones, floods and earthquakes are common occurrences in the Indian sub continent which require super human effort to contain damage to men and material. Such events put the dedication, endurance capabilities and organizational skills available in the country to a litmus test. It is not surprising therefore, that the Armed Forces are often asked to spearhead the relief work in such disaster situations. So far, the potential for utilization of disciplined and trained ex-servicemen population for such situations has remained untapped due to the lack of an organizational framework. A concept of tapping this large pool of trained manpower is presented.
authors.affiliation: Dean and Deputy Commandant, AFMC, Pune-40.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rajagopal
authors.affiliation: DDG(P&T); O/o DGAFMS, Min of Defence, New Delhi.
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Dy. DGMS(P); O/o DGMS(Army); IHQs (Army), Min of Defence, New Delhi-1.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Anand
authors.affiliation: Director of Vascular Surgery, MAX Heart Institute, New Delhi.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Rai
authors.affiliation: DGHS(AF); O/o DGAFMS, Min of Defence, New Delhi.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jayaram
keywords: Disaster management; Ex- servicemen