Defence medical wing gets first Tri-service woman chief

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin has made history by becoming the first woman officer to take the reins as Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), effective October 1. In this pivotal role, she will oversee the medical wings of all three services, marking a significant milestone in the Indian Armed Forces.

As the 46th DGAFMS, Vice Admiral Sarin brings an impressive 38-year career spanning prestigious academic and administrative appointments. Her distinguished service includes roles such as Professor and Head of Radiation Oncology at Army Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi, and Southern Command Hospital in Pune. She has also served as Commanding Officer, INHS Asvini, and Command Medical Officer in the Southern and Western Naval Commands.

Notably, Vice Admiral Sarin has the rare distinction of serving in all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, having held positions in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Her exemplary service has earned her the Ati Vishist Seva Medal, and she has been appointed to the National Task Force by the Supreme Court to formulate safe working conditions and protocols for medical professionals.

This historic appointment follows closely on the heels of Lt Gen Sadhna Nair’s ground-breaking appointment as Director General Medical Services (Army) on August 1. Currently, three woman officers hold the rank of Lieutenant General and equivalent in the defence services, with eight having reached this rank in the medical stream.