Air Commodore Kevin Fernandez (12660) Med has been posted as Deputy Commandant, Command Hospital (CH), Air Force Bangalore since 01 Oct 04. During has career spanning 35 years, he had held various important appointments that includes medical officer at various Units and Senior Medical officer of premier flying station.

From the day he took over as Dy Comdt, his stress was on improving clientele satisfaction, both for the ex-servicemen and serving personnel. Infrastructure of existing ECHS polydinic was improved. All ECHS OPD services were brought under one roof and waiting time was reduced. His efforts were instrumental in getting land released for permanent ECHS poly-clinic in Army land near the hospital. Thus over 35,000 ECHS beneficiaries are today happier than ever before. As Senior Executive Medical Officer, he ensured Regimental Medical Officers of surrounding Armed Forces units provided better health care services to their clientele. His liaison with the local Army, Navy and Air Force one star Commanders has helped in improvement of patient facilities in the hospital in the form of water dispensers, colour TVs, landscaping the hospital, roadside pavements for patients and creating additional parking areas. An open door policy to all patients both outdoor and indoor and their kith and kin improved clientele satisfaction to a great level.

In CH, AF Bangalore, training of postgraduates, interns, nurses and medical assistants was closely monitored by the Deputy Commandant. 100% pass in all PG exams held by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in April 05 and Probationary Nurses Exams in Oct 05 was achieved. Saving of Rs 1,80,000/- was achieved for the Air force by obtaining an exemption from RGUHS for Helinet - Internet connectivity through RGUHS portel to gain access to over 300 medical journals. Para Medical Training was stepped up and recognition was obtained for ten courses by paramedical board of Karnataka Govt., whereby Air Force medical assistants could now obtain diploma in various subjects unlike in other services and would have brighter rehabilitation prospects. The Air Force team was trained under the supervision of Deputy Comdt, which won the second prize at the Inter Services Nursing Competition held at AMC Centre, Lucknow in Nov 05 where seven teams participated.

His organizational ability was utilized for annual Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine conference held in Sept 05, hospital anniversary, Air Force day and AMC day. His liaison with Indian Space Research Organization went a long way in obtaining hardware gratis for the Air Force for setting up the Telemedidne hub at CH by 08 Oct 05 and completing phase-1 connectivity with remote Air force bases and CH for specialist consultancy. His untiring effort to get going the E- medical education through telemedidne is praiseworthy.

His hard work, commitment, dedication and pleasant interpersonal relationship went a long way in winning the Raksha Mantri Trophy in Nov 05 for the best CH in the country.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore Kevin Fernandez.