Air Marshal Vivek Hande assumed the appointment of Director General Medical Services (Air) [DGMS (Air)] on September 1, 2026, on permanent secondment to the Indian Air Force, bringing extensive clinical, administrative and tri-service experience to one of the key positions in the Air Force’s medical establishment.
Commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services in December 1988, Air Marshal Hande has had a distinguished career spanning specialist medical practice, hospital administration and senior leadership appointments. He is a Physician and Gastroenterologist of national repute and has served in a range of important clinical and administrative positions.
An alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, Tata Memorial Hospital and the National Defence College, Delhi, Air Marshal Hande has received specialised medical and strategic training at premier institutions.
His career has also given him the distinction of serving in all three Services of the Armed Forces. As a Flag Officer in the Indian Navy, he commanded INHS Asvini in Mumbai and subsequently served as Senior Consultant (Medicine), gaining extensive experience in military healthcare and specialist medical services.
Before his elevation to the rank of Vice Admiral, he served in several clinical and administrative appointments, including as Executive Officer and subsequently Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini, Mumbai. His tenure at the premier naval hospital added significant institutional and leadership experience to his medical career.
On February 2, 2026, Surg Vice Admiral Vivek Hande, AVSM, VSM assumed the appointment of Director General (Organisation & Personnel), Armed Forces Medical Services, in the Office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). Prior to taking charge of the appointment, he relinquished his position as Senior Consultant (Medicine) in the Office of DGAFMS.
His elevation to the rank of Vice Admiral was marked by congratulations from Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, DGAFMS, who felicitated the Flag Officer on his ascension to the higher rank.
During his tenure as DG (Organisation & Personnel), Air Marshal Hande was associated with organisational and personnel-related responsibilities within the Armed Forces Medical Services. The appointment further broadened his experience in managing the medical requirements and administrative framework of the Armed Forces.
His subsequent appointment as DGMS (Air), on permanent secondment to the Indian Air Force, represents a continuation of his long-standing contribution to military medicine while bringing his extensive tri-service experience to the IAF.
As DGMS (Air), Air Marshal Hande will provide senior medical leadership to the Indian Air Force and oversee key aspects of its medical services, healthcare delivery and medical preparedness. His background as a specialist physician, senior consultant, hospital commander and medical administrator provides him with experience across both clinical and organisational dimensions of military healthcare.
His career is notable not only for his medical expertise but also for the breadth of responsibilities undertaken across the Army, Navy and Air Force medical establishments. His service at INHS Asvini, the Office of DGAFMS and other specialist and administrative appointments has given him a comprehensive understanding of military medical operations.
With his assumption of charge, Air Marshal Vivek Hande brings decades of specialist knowledge, leadership experience and tri-service exposure to the Indian Air Force’s medical services. His appointment further strengthens the senior leadership of the IAF medical branch and underscores the importance of professional medical expertise, organisational preparedness and integrated healthcare support for the Armed Forces.
