Squadron Leader NIJRAM SATRAMDAS BHAGWANANI (4509) Medical During the recent operations in the NEFA, No. 5 Air Force Hospital was flooded with the battle casualties which had poured in from Walong sector. Squadron Leader Nijram Satramdas Bhagwanani was the only surgical specialist available in this hospital, and had to bear the major brunt of this large influx. Some of the casualties had suffered serious gun-shot wounds involving thoracic (Chest) and abdominal regions which required skilful surgery. The magnitude and the complexity of the task would have baffled any exper ienced surgeon. However, Squadron Leader Bhagwanani faced the situation with courage and untiring zeal and great devotion. He worked round the clock on his operation table, in complete disregard to his personal comfort and physical requirement. But for his perseverance, organizational ability and devotion, many of our soldiers who were brought to the hospital in a precarious condition would not have survived. Squadron Leader Nijram Satramdas Bhagwanani in performing this praise-worthy task has shown professional skill and devotion of a very high order.

Wing Commander Purshotam Singh Mahngar was commissioned in January 1967 as has held various appointment in the field as well as in hospitals. He has been posted to 5 AF Hospital wef 18 Jun 84.

He is a classified specialist (General Surgery) and the senior most surgeon of the hospital. Sincere and devoted to the core, the officer has endeared himself to his patients and established an enviable reputation as a professional. He has come out one very occasion with flying colours and to the great satisfaction of the patients and their relations.

The hospital provides medical cover to troops stationed in Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur as also to a large number of local personnel. During his tenure at the hospital, he was called upon to manage twenty cases of gun shot wounds who were brought after sustaining injuries in combat. All the cases were brought in a critical condition and many of them had multiple injuries of internal organs like liver, spleen, kidney, intestine, blood vessels etc. One patient had sustained as many as six outlet injuries. He worked tirelessly and continuously spending three to six hours in operation theater to pull the patient out of danger. He undertook his job with great determination, challenge and outstanding devotion. He could successfully mange all of them and made them fit to resume their duties.

For his outstanding professional competence, diligence and commendable devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Purshotam Singh Mahngar.