Maj Gen Rachel Thomas assumed the appointment of Additional Director General, Military Nursing Service, on 01 June 2026, marking an important leadership transition in the Military Nursing Service of the Armed Forces Medical Services. She succeeds Maj Gen Lissamma PV, who superannuated on 31 May 2026 after four decades of distinguished service to the nation.
An alumna of the prestigious College of Nursing, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maj Gen Rachel Thomas was commissioned into the Military Nursing Service on 01 June 1988. With a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, she brings with her vast professional experience, administrative maturity and a deep commitment to patient care in the armed forces medical ecosystem.
Over the course of her long and dedicated service, Maj Gen Thomas has held a wide spectrum of clinical and administrative appointments across prominent military hospitals of the Armed Forces Medical Services. Her service has also included important assignments in border hospitals under the Northern and Eastern Commands, where medical personnel operate in challenging conditions while supporting troops deployed in operationally sensitive areas.
Her appointment as Additional Director General, Military Nursing Service, comes at a time when military healthcare continues to evolve in response to the changing demands of modern armed forces. The Military Nursing Service plays a vital role in providing professional nursing care to serving personnel, veterans and their families, while also contributing significantly to military hospitals, field medical support, specialist care and patient management across the AFMS network.
Maj Gen Thomas’s nearly four decades of service have been marked by professional excellence, dedication and compassionate patient care. Her experience across clinical, administrative and command-related responsibilities is expected to further strengthen the functioning of the Military Nursing Service and support its continued focus on quality healthcare delivery.
As she takes over this important appointment, the Military Nursing Service has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest traditions of military nursing in the Armed Forces Medical Services. Under her guidance, the service is expected to continue advancing excellence in patient care, professional standards and dedicated service to the nation.
The appointment also reflects the continued recognition of women leaders within the Armed Forces Medical Services, especially in key roles that shape policy, administration and professional nursing standards. Maj Gen Rachel Thomas’s elevation to the appointment of ADG, Military Nursing Service, stands as a proud moment for the MNS and for the wider AFMS fraternity.
With her distinguished background, strong professional foundation and long experience in military healthcare, Maj Gen Rachel Thomas is expected to provide steady leadership and guidance to the Military Nursing Service as it continues its mission of compassionate care, discipline, professionalism and service to the Armed Forces.
