Major General Mathews Jacob has officially taken on the role of Major General (Medical) for the Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa Area, marking an important leadership transition within the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). The announcement was made by the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), part of the Ministry of Defence.
Before this appointment, Maj Gen Jacob served as the Commandant of the prestigious Command Hospital (Western Command), a leading military healthcare institution in India. Throughout his tenure there, he was instrumental in maintaining the hospital’s reputation for clinical excellence, advanced training, and medical research, catering to the needs of military personnel and their families in the Western Command.
Renowned for his administrative skills and unwavering commitment to medical education, Maj Gen Jacob brings a wealth of experience to his new position. His responsibilities will include coordinating and managing healthcare delivery across major military and naval installations in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa, particularly in Mumbai, which houses critical defense infrastructure.
The AFMS oversees the health and medical readiness of over 1.3 million armed forces personnel across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In this capacity, Maj Gen Jacob will supervise health services operations, ensuring preparedness for emergency medical situations and facilitating collaboration among the tri-services. His leadership is expected to enhance the region’s medical readiness, particularly in responding to changing field conditions and peacetime welfare requirements.
The appointment has been met with support from senior military officials, who have expressed confidence in Maj Gen Jacob’s capability to lead effectively. A ceremonial reception took place in Mumbai to celebrate the occasion, featuring visuals of the General Officer being warmly welcomed in front of a military helicopter, and later posing with colleagues under the symbolic Ashoka Chakra.
Maj Gen Jacob’s academic background further complements the AFMS’s emphasis on continuous learning and training. His involvement is anticipated to strengthen connections with the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, an institution dedicated to training defense medical personnel since 1948. Focused on medical innovation and officer development, his leadership aligns seamlessly with the AFMS’s mission to cultivate a future-ready medical corps.
As he embarks on this pivotal role, Maj Gen Mathews Jacob’s tenure is set to uphold and elevate the high standards of care that the Indian Armed Forces rely upon. His extensive experience and dedication are poised to benefit service members and their families across the strategically important western region of India.
