Armed Forces Medical Services Welcomes Its First Woman Leader

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin has become the first woman to take over as the Armed Forces Medical Services DG.

New Delhi, India, October 1, 2024 — On October 1, 2024, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin made history by becoming the first woman officer to assume the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) role. The DGAFMS holds direct responsibility to the Ministry of Defence for overseeing medical policy matters related to the Armed Forces.

Before becoming the 46th DGAFMS, the Flag Officer held the prestigious positions of DG Medical Services (Navy), DG Medical Services (Air), and Director & Commandant of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune. She is an alumna of AFMC and joined the Armed Forces Medical Services in December 1985. Arti Sarin holds an MD in Radiodiagnosis from AFMC, Pune, and a Diplomate National Board in Radiation Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. Additionally, she has received training in Gamma Knife Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh.

During a career that has spanned 38 years, the Flag Officer has held prestigious academic and administrative appointments. These include serving as Professor and Head of Radiation Oncology at Army Hospital (R&R) and Command Hospital (Southern Command)/AFMC Pune. Additionally, the Flag Officer has held the positions of Commanding Officer at INHS Asvini and Command Medical Officer in the Indian Navy’s Southern and Western Naval Commands.

The Flag Officer has the rare distinction of serving in all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. She served as a Lieutenant to Captain in the Indian Army, from Surgeon Lieutenant to Surgeon Vice Admiral in the Indian Navy, and as an Air Marshal in the Indian Air Force.

In acknowledgment of her unwavering dedication to patient care and exceptional commitment, the Flag Officer was honored with the Ati Vishist Seva Medal in 2024 and the Vishist Seva Medal in 2021. Additionally, she was recognized with the Chief of Army Staff Commendation in 2017, the Chief of Naval Staff Commendation in 2001, and the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Commendation in 2013 for her outstanding service.

The Flag Officer was recently appointed by the Supreme Court as a member of the National Task Force to formulate safe working conditions and protocols for medical professionals.

Source: Ministry of Defence