Industrial workplaces face daily health and safety challenges. From machine-related injuries to long-term exposure to hazardous substances, the risks are real. Having a dedicated Occupational Health Centre (OHC) team is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for legal compliance, employee safety, and business continuity. At VMEDO, we specialize in setting up and managing OHCs that are fully compliant with the Factories Act, 1948 and OSHWC Code 2020. Many organizations ask, What is an AFIH Doctor?—they are specially trained professionals crucial to the success of these OHCs, ensuring both preventive care and compliance. Here’s why every factory, plant, and industrial unit should invest in one.
Why Companies Should Know About AFIH Doctors
1. Legal & Regulatory Compliance
Under India’s Factories Act, industries are required to maintain Occupational Health Centres (OHCs) and employ qualified medical officers. AFIH doctors fulfill this statutory requirement, ensuring that organizations meet their health and safety obligations.
2. Enhanced Workforce Health & Productivity
AFIH doctors conduct pre‑employment screenings, periodic medical checkups, and lead health education initiatives. They help prevent occupational illnesses, from chemical exposure and respiratory diseases to ergonomic injuries, thereby improving employee health and reducing absenteeism.
3. Risk Mitigation & Incident Management
Trained to assess workplace hazards, AFIH doctors provide expert guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), conduct hygiene inspections, and manage onsite medical emergencies. Their role is essential in developing a robust workplace safety framework.
4. Cost Savings
By preventing illness and identifying early signs of occupational disease, AFIH doctors help companies avoid high medical costs, compensation claims, and lost productivity due to worker downtime.
5. Corporate Branding & CSR
Employing AFIH-certified professionals reflects a company’s commitment to employee health and safety. This strengthens employer branding and contributes to corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.
What Does the AFIH Program Cover?
Eligibility & Duration
To enroll, candidates must have an MBBS degree and a valid medical registration. The program typically runs for three months full-time or one year as a postgraduate diploma, depending on the institution.
Curriculum & Training
The program includes theoretical training and hands-on learning through industrial visits and clinical exposure. Key topics covered include:
- Occupational Medicine & Diseases
- Industrial Hygiene & Environmental Monitoring
- Toxicology & Chemical Safety
- Ergonomics & Musculoskeletal Health
- Emergency Response & First Aid
- Occupational Psychology & Stress Management
- Legal Aspects of Occupational Health
- Health Hazard Assessment and Prevention
- Students gain real-world experience by visiting operational industrial units and participating in workplace evaluations.
Typical Roles & Responsibilities of an AFIH Doctor
AFIH-certified doctors take on various responsibilities to promote and maintain industrial health. These may include:
- Managing the Occupational Health Centre (OHC)
- Conducting pre-employment and routine medical examinations
- Monitoring biological indicators and workplace hygiene
- Maintaining employee health records and documentation
- Coordinating with factory inspectors and external healthcare providers
- Organizing wellness campaigns, first-aid training, and awareness sessions
- Responding to onsite medical emergencies and managing health incidents
- Advising the EHS team on safety improvements and compliance measures
Their presence ensures continuous monitoring of workforce health and adherence to occupational safety norms.
VMEDO’s AFIH Doctor Network
At VMEDO, we maintain a curated network of certified AFIH doctors who are trained and experienced in occupational health, industrial safety, and workplace medical compliance. Whether you’re setting up a new Occupational Health Centre (OHC) or looking to augment your existing EHS team, we can deploy qualified AFIH professionals across industries including manufacturing, construction, logistics, and pharma. Our end-to-end support includes on-site placements, teleconsultation backup, medical surveillance programs, and compliance documentation—making us a one-stop partner for workforce health management.
Industry Use Cases for VMEDO
VMEDO can add strategic value for businesses that are setting up or scaling their occupational health programs:
- Employer Awareness: Educate HR and EHS teams about the benefits and regulatory importance of AFIH-certified doctors.
- Onboarding & Staffing: Source, vet, and onboard AFIH-certified professionals as full-time or consulting health officers.
- Compliance Management: Help clients meet all statutory obligations by integrating trained medical officers.
Benefits of Partnering with AFIH Doctors
| Benefit | Description |
| Compliance Assurance | Ensures adherence to statutory OHC requirements under the Factories Act & OSHWC Code 2020 |
| Health Risk Reduction | Identifies and mitigates potential health hazards before they become critical |
| Productivity Gains | Maintains a healthier workforce, reducing sick leave and turnover |
| Data-Driven Wellness | Uses health surveillance data to drive preventive care and reporting |
| Enhanced Reputation | Positions the company as a responsible and safe employer |
FAQ: What is an AFIH Doctor?
Q1. What does AFIH stand for?
AFIH stands for Associate Fellow of Industrial Health. It is a certification for doctors trained in occupational health and industrial medicine.
Q2. Who is eligible for the AFIH course?
Only MBBS-qualified doctors with valid medical registration are eligible to enroll in the AFIH training program.
Q3. How long is the AFIH training?
The training duration ranges from 3 months (full-time) to 1 year (part-time or extended diploma format).
Q4. What roles can AFIH doctors take up?
AFIH doctors can work as Factory Medical Officers, Occupational Health Physicians, or corporate health consultants in industrial and manufacturing units.
Q5. How do AFIH doctors support compliance?
They manage medical documentation, conduct mandatory health checks, and ensure that companies meet occupational health norms under the Factories Act.
Q6. Can VMEDO provide AFIH doctors?
Yes, VMEDO has a dedicated network of AFIH-certified doctors and offers deployment services, and workplace wellness program integration.
AFIH doctors play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between healthcare and workplace safety. Their training and expertise help companies remain compliant, improve employee health outcomes, and build a culture of proactive safety.
VMEDO is uniquely positioned to support organizations in deploying and managing AFIH doctors as part of a broader occupational health strategy. From staffing and compliance to digital health integration, we help businesses maintain healthier, safer, and more productive workplaces.
