Surgeon Vice Admiral Dilip Raghavan, VSM, takes charge of the key Armed Forces medical services post after a distinguished career spanning naval medicine, hospital administration, ENT and medical education
Surgeon Vice Admiral Dilip Raghavan, VSM, assumed charge as the Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces) on September 1, 2026. He brings extensive experience in military medicine, hospital administration, medical education and specialist healthcare services to the senior leadership position.
Medical education and commissioning into Indian Navy
Born and educated in Chennai and Mumbai, Surgeon Vice Admiral Dilip Raghavan joined the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, in 1985 and completed his MBBS in 1989. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 26, 1989.
Over his distinguished career, he has held several important specialist, instructional, command and administrative appointments within the Armed Forces medical establishment.
Served at AFMC and INHS Asvini
Surgeon Vice Admiral Raghavan served in specialist and instructional positions at INHS Asvini and AFMC, Pune. He played an instrumental role in establishing the Bionic Ear Centre at AFMC, Pune, strengthening specialised ENT services and training facilities at the institution.
He served as Professor and Head of the Department of ENT at AFMC, Pune, from 2018 to 2021.
He also held the appointments of Command Medical Officer, Southern Naval Command, and Command Medical Officer, Eastern Naval Command. Subsequently, he served as the Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini, Mumbai.
INHS Asvini received Raksha Mantri Trophy
During his tenure as Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini, Mumbai, the hospital was awarded the Raksha Mantri Trophy for the Best Command Hospital, recognising its performance in providing healthcare services within the Armed Forces medical system.
Conferred Vishisht Seva Medal
In recognition of his distinguished service, Surgeon Vice Admiral Dilip Raghavan was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) on January 26, 2026.
His career has included responsibilities across clinical medicine, medical education, hospital management and command-level healthcare administration, positioning him for the senior role of Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces).
Family background
Vice Admiral Raghavan is married to Dr Michelle Vas, a paediatrician with subspecialisation in Developmental Neurology. She is an alumna of Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, and a former Short Service Commissioned officer in the Indian Navy.
New leadership at DGAFMS
The appointment comes amid other senior leadership changes in the Armed Forces medical establishment. The Central Government has appointed Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, SM, VSM & Bar, as the next Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). The appointment marks another significant transition at the top level of military healthcare administration.
Important Highlights
- Surgeon Vice Admiral Dilip Raghavan assumed charge as Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces) on September 1, 2026.
- He joined AFMC, Pune, in 1985 and completed his MBBS in 1989.
- He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 26, 1989.
- He served as Professor and Head of ENT at AFMC, Pune, from 2018 to 2021.
- He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) on January 26, 2026.
- He previously served as Command Medical Officer and Commanding Officer, INHS Asvini, Mumbai.