The Ministry of Defence has announced that Surgeon Vice Admiral Dilip Raghavan has taken on the role of Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces) with effect from September 1, 2026. This appointment places him in charge of hospital and medical services across India’s armed forces.
Who is Surgeon Vice Admiral Dilip Raghavan
Surgeon Vice Admiral Raghavan comes from Chennai and Mumbai, where he completed his early education. He studied medicine at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, finishing his MBBS degree in 1989. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 26, 1989.
Throughout his naval career, he has held several key medical positions. These include serving as Command Medical Officer at the Southern Naval Command, Command Medical Officer at the Eastern Naval Command, and Commanding Officer at INHS Asvini in Mumbai. Under his leadership, INHS Asvini received the Raksha Mantri Trophy as the Best Command Hospital.
In January 2026, the Government recognised his service record by awarding him the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
What this means for you
This appointment matters for military personnel and their families who rely on armed forces medical facilities, as well as civilians who may be treated at defence hospitals. The new Director General will oversee the functioning and quality of healthcare across all military hospitals and medical units. Given his track record in improving hospital standards, the appointment signals a focus on maintaining and enhancing medical care within the defence system. Surgeon Vice Admiral Raghavan’s experience managing multiple naval hospitals across different commands positions him to coordinate healthcare services nationwide for the armed forces.