Surgeon Vice Admiral Manish Honwad, VSM, has assumed the appointment of Director and Commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, with effect from September 1, 2026. The senior medical officer brings more than 37 years of experience across clinical medicine, academics, healthcare administration and leadership in the Armed Forces Medical Services.
An alumnus of AFMC Pune, Surgeon Vice Admiral Honwad completed his MBBS from the prestigious institution in 1989. He subsequently pursued his MD in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine from AFMC, completing the postgraduate programme in 1998.
He further specialised as a WHO Fellow in Neuro-Anesthesiology at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru. In addition to his extensive medical qualifications, he is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, where he was awarded an M.Phil in Public Administration.
During an exemplary career spanning over 37 years, Surgeon Vice Admiral Honwad has held several important academic, clinical and administrative appointments in the Armed Forces Medical Services.
Before taking charge of AFMC Pune, he served as Additional Director General Medical Services (Navy) at Naval Headquarters. His previous appointments also include Commanding Officer of INHS Sanjivani and Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini, two important medical establishments of the Indian Navy.
Beyond his clinical and administrative responsibilities, the Flag Officer has made significant contributions to healthcare simulation and medical education. He is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSIH), USA, and has been an international speaker on healthcare simulation at several national and international conferences.
His distinguished service has earned him multiple military honours and commendations. In recognition of his dedication to patient care and service, Surgeon Vice Admiral Honwad was conferred with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2025.
He has also received the Chief of the Naval Staff Commendation on two occasions, in 2006 and 2013. Additionally, he was awarded the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (South) Commendation in 2007 and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (West) Commendation in 2011.
His appointment as Director and Commandant marks a return to the institution where his journey as a military doctor began more than three decades ago. As the head of AFMC Pune, he will lead one of India’s premier medical institutions responsible for training doctors and healthcare professionals for the Armed Forces Medical Services.
The Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), on behalf of all ranks of the Armed Forces Medical Services, conveyed best wishes to Surgeon Vice Admiral Manish Honwad for a successful tenure as Director and Commandant of AFMC Pune.
