Wing Commander Navin Rattan (14242) Med was commissioned in the Medical Branch on 31 Aug 75. He is a post-graduate in Aerospace Medicine as well as in Internal Medicine. As a Specialist in Aerospace Medicine, he has held important appointments at Air Force Central Medical Establishment, Air Force Academy and the Institute of Aero space Medicine (IAM). He is also Postgraduate Examiner of Bangalore University. His research efforts have contributed in retrieval of a large number of medically grounded aircrew with ECG abnormality and development of an indigenous air sickness control programme wherein 60% cases of trainee aircrew with air sickness are being prevented from being wasted out. At IAM he excelled by restoring the serviceability of the long unserviceable Decompression Chamber the Institute effecting savings to the tune of over Rupees 35 Lakhs. His original and innovative research work in the field of flying clothing and oxygen systems was the pioneering effort towards indigeni sation, development and testing of the Life Support System of the Light Combatant Aircraft, a programme of national importance.

Wing Commander N Rattan, as Senior Medical Officer of Air Force Station, Gwalior has converted the conventional primary care medical establishment of Station Sick Quarters to a modern mini hospital. Medicare has been taken to the door step by establishing two new sub MI rooms in the domestic camps. He has, through foresight, vision and perseverance, created a new modern Family Welfare Centre from an old dilapidated building which now houses a Family Clinic, Dental Clinic, modern Physiotherapy Center, a Marriage-Counseling Cell and a Child Guidance and Development Clinic. The changes have resulted in lowering hospitalisation of Air Force personnel by over 30% resulting in saving of over 5000 manhours in a year. He has provided a new dimension to preventive health by writing booklets on Child Health, Development and Small Family Norms and has also initiated innovative preventive health programme including Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Cancer Detection and Village Health Camps.

For distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Navin Rattan.