On October 1, 2024, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin made history by becoming the first woman to take over as the Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing medical policies related to the Armed Forces and will report directly to the Ministry of Defence.Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, today took over as the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services. She is the lfirst woman officer to take over as the head of the Tri-service Armed Forces Medical Services. The DGAFMS is directly responsible to the Min of Defence for overall medical… pic.twitter.com/He1bvXPgEn— ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024A trailblazing career in military medicinePrior to her appointment as the 46th DGAFMS, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin held several prestigious positions. She served as Director General Medical Services (Navy), Director General Medical Services (Air), and Director & Commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, from where she graduated in 1985. She holds an MD in Radiodiagnosis from AFMC and a Diplomate of the National Board in Radiation Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. Additionally, she has specialized training in Gamma Knife Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh.With a career spanning 38 years, her contributions have been significant across various academic and administrative roles. Among her key appointments are Professor & Head of Radiation Oncology at the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) and Command Hospital, Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini, and Command Medical Officer of both the Southern and Western Naval Commands.An officer across all three armed forces branchesRemarkably, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin has served in all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. She began her career in the Indian Army, where she rose from Lieutenant to Captain. She later advanced to the rank of Surgeon Vice Admiral in the Indian Navy and held the equivalent position of Air Marshal in the Indian Air Force.Honors and recognitionHer exemplary dedication to patient care has earned her numerous accolades. In 2024, she was awarded the Ati Vishist Seva Medal, and in 2021, the Vishist Seva Medal. She has also received commendations from the Chief of Army Staff (2017), Chief of Naval Staff (2001), and the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (2013) for her distinguished service.Recently, she was appointed as a member of the National Task Force by the Supreme Court to establish safe working conditions and protocols for medical professionals. A strong advocate for women in the Armed Forces, she continues to inspire young women through her work and is a leading figure in the Nari Shakti initiative of the Government of India.
