Maj Gen Rachel Thomas takes charge as Additional Director General, Military Nursing Service

New Delhi: Maj Gen Rachel Thomas assumed charge as the Additional Director General of the Military Nursing Service (MNS) on Monday, succeeding Maj Gen Lissamma PV, who superannuated after four decades of service in the Military Nursing Service.

An alumna of the College of Nursing, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, Maj Gen Rachel Thomas was commissioned into the Military Nursing Service on 01 June 1988. During her distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, she has held a wide range of clinical and administrative appointments across Military Hospitals under the Armed Forces Medical Services.

Also Read:Historic first: 3 women doctors appointed directors of Delhi's top central govt hospitals

Her professional experience includes service in prominent military hospitals as well as border hospitals under the Northern and Eastern Commands, where she contributed significantly to patient care, nursing administration and healthcare delivery in diverse operational environments, according to the PIB.

The Military Nursing Service remains an integral component of the Armed Forces Medical Services, delivering nursing care and medical support across peace and operational areas in service of the nation.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that President Smt Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards for the year 2026 to 15 nursing professionals at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. A total of 15 nurses from diverse regions and healthcare settings were honoured in recognition of their exemplary service, unwavering dedication to strengthening public health delivery, and outstanding commitment to community welfare.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda and Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, also graced the occasion. In her message on the occasion, the President remarked that “nursing personnel exemplify the highest standards of service and play a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare, often in the most challenging circumstances”.

Also Read:Dr Poonam Sethi takes over as In-Charge Director of Health Services, Jammu