Wing Commander Vijendra Kumar Singhal was commissioned in 1958. During 21 years of service, he has carried out his various assignments with credit and has never been found wanting in any of the diverse duties allotted to him. Besides being a medical officer, he is a qualified pilot, paratrooper and mountaineer. He was trained in UK and West Germany in Aircrew Survival and was the pioneer Officer Commanding of Jungle and Snow Survival School. He has been SMO at a number of flying stations where he was deeply involved with aircrew care and flight safety. He has commanded various type of units like TMPF, AMU and No. 11 Air Force Hospital. He has also held the staff appointment of DDMS at Air Headquarters.

He is one of that rare breed of officers who shine and stand out given any responsibility. He is so remarkably versatile that he will make a success of any job given to him. His dedication to service and total involvement with the task in hand is an example for others to emulate. He has always carried out his duties with unparalleled zeal and enthusiasm in a missionary spirit and acquitted himself creditably. Air Force can truly be proud of the service rendered by him.

He assumed command of No. 7 Air Force Hospital in Jul 78, and dedicated himself to his task with perseverance. The hospital has undergone a total facelift under his dynamic leadership. It has become a symbol of institutional efficiency in spite of a low level of authorised establishment. Patient care and hospital management have assumed new dimensions. New facilities have been created and existing ones reorganised for better patient comfort at every step. These include reorganisation of Red Cross Centre, Laboratory facilities in OPDs, proper dining areas for patients, playpen for children, comfortable waiting areas, creation of CSSD, pack store for patients, installation of a PCO, reduction in waiting time and so on. Creation of an Airmen Welfare Centre and AFWWA (L) Centre with all conceivable amenities have opened new vistas of welfare for personnel and families. Better inventory control and accounting has led to a sizeable saving in the expenditure on medical stores, Training of medical and paramedical staff has been implemented with gusto for achieving high professional standards.

All this has been possible because of his initiative, organising ability, resourcefulness and unstinted hard work. He has knitted the entire hospital organisation into one cohesive force aimed at still better patient care. His personal example has been a source of inspiration to all and has generated a new enthusiasm at all levels. Under his command the high standard of administration and efficient professional attention has raised the prestige of the Hospital sky high in the eyes of one and all. By his untiring zest and personal attention to details, he has been instrumental in making No. 7 Air Force hospital a 'show window" of the Air Force. His honesty of purpose and sense of involvement with total disregard for personal comfort and convenience deserve a special mention.

For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Vijendra Kumar Singhal.