Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin. (Photo: Indian Navy)
\New Delhi: Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin has made history by becoming the first woman to assume the position of director general, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), on Tuesday. This prestigious role places her at the helm of the medical services of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force, making her responsible for key medical policies and their implementation across the armed forces.
A decorated officer, Vice Admiral Sarin’s military career spans nearly four decades. She was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services in December 1985 after graduating from the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune. Over her career, she has served in key positions across the Army, Navy, and Air Force – a rare feat that underlines her versatile expertise.
She holds an MD in Radiodiagnosis from AFMC and a DNB in Radiation Oncology from the prestigious Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. Sarin has also undergone specialized training in Gamma Knife Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh.
Before her current appointment, Sarin held numerous high-ranking positions, including director general, Medical Services for both the Navy and Air Force. She also served as the director and commandant of the AFMC, and commanded the Navy’s premier medical establishment, INHS Asvini.
Throughout her career, she has been a key figure in advancing military medical services and mentoring younger generations, especially women, to serve in the armed forces.
Sarin’s contributions to military medicine have earned her several honors, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2024) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (2021). Her commitment to excellence in patient care has been recognized through various commendations from the chief of the army staff, chief of naval staff, and other senior military officers.
Her appointment as DGAFMS is not only a personal milestone but also a significant achievement for women in the Indian armed forces, which is currently witnessing a surge in women playing leadership roles. It may be noted that earlier in August this year, Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair became the first woman director general in the Indian Army’s medical services, as India Sentinels had reported.
