Wing Commander Ravindra Chandra Panda (18434) Medical was commissioned in the Medical Branch of the IAF on 25 Aug 1986 and initially posted at 32 Wing Air Force. Subsequently, he has served with distinction as a Medical Specialist at various Air Force and Naval Hospitals-Kanpur, Halwara, Amla, Jorhat and at INHS Kalyani. Wg Cdr Panda has excelled in all his assignments. He has received commendations by FOC-in-C, Eastern Naval Command in 1999 and commendation by the Chief of the Air Staff in 2004.

In his present appointment as Staff Surgeon to the Chief of the Air Staff, Wg Cdr Panda has been highly meticulous in delivering health-care of the best order. He has provided prompt and appropriate specialist as well as emergent medical care to a vast number of serving and retired personnel and their families.

He has applied his professional skill in successfully commissioning the state of the art Cardiac van. This Cardiac Van is a boon for IAF and has helped in tackling emergencies during various important functions where VIPs and VVIPs and their families were present. During his tenure, he got the online UPS for TMT machine, which has helped in medical evaluation of patients.

Professionally he has always been an asset to the IAF. He took upon himself the medical specialist cover to Air Force Station, Hindon, for ECHS Polyclinic at Air Force Station Faridabad and AFCME whenever required in addition to his already busy schedule. His professional expertise is of superlative order. He brought a patient from the jaws of death by thrombolysing the patient at Station Medicare Centre - history was created in the SMC. After stabilizing, transported him to Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt where he recovered fully.

His excellent bedside manners, professional competence and helpful demeanor has been widely appreciated, bringing credit to the IAF Medical Services. Throughout, he has shown utmost dedication, skill and compassion beyond the call of normal duty.

For his distinguished service of exceptional order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Ravindra Chandra Panda.