Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin Makes History as First Woman DG of Armed Forces Medical Services.

New Delhi:

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin has made history by becoming the first woman to take over as the Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) on October 1, 2024. The DGAFMS plays a crucial role in overseeing medical policy matters for the Indian Armed Forces under the Ministry of Defence.

Prior to her new appointment as the 46th DGAFMS, Vice Admiral Sarin held prominent roles including Director General of Medical Services for both the Navy and Air Force, as well as Director and Commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune. An esteemed alumna of AFMC, she was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services in December 1985 and holds an MD in Radiodiagnosis, along with specialized training in Gamma Knife Surgery.

With a distinguished career spanning 38 years, Sarin has served across all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, ascending from Lieutenant in the Army to Surgeon Vice Admiral in the Navy and reaching the rank of Air Marshal in the Air Force. She has held key academic and administrative positions, including as Head of Radiation Oncology at Army Hospital (R&R) and Command Hospital (Southern Command).

Sarin’s exemplary dedication to patient care has earned her several accolades, including the Ati Vishist Seva Medal in 2024 and the Vishist Seva Medal in 2021. Additionally, she has received commendations from the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Naval Staff for her distinguished service.

Recently, she has been appointed as a member of the National Task Force by the Supreme Court to develop safe working conditions for medical professionals. Sarin is also a strong advocate for encouraging young women to join the Armed Forces, embodying the Nari Shakti initiative of the Government.