In a historic move, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin has been appointed as the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), making her the first woman to assume this prestigious role. Sarin’s appointment, announced on October 1, 2024, is a significant milestone, both for the Indian military and for women in the armed forces. She now holds the highest-ranking position ever achieved by a woman in the Indian Armed Forces.
Sarin’s journey to the top has been marked by numerous accolades and groundbreaking appointments. Prior to becoming the 46th DGAFMS, she held prominent roles including the Director General of Medical Services for both the Navy and the Air Force. She also served as the Director and Commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, where she herself was an alumnus. Her extensive academic qualifications include an MD in Radiodiagnosis from AFMC, as well as advanced training in Gamma Knife Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh.
Throughout her 38-year career, Sarin has made significant contributions to military medicine. She has served in all three branches of the armed forces, making her a rare figure with a breadth of experience across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Her leadership roles included Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini and senior medical officer positions in the Southern and Western Naval Commands. Recognized for her dedication to patient care, she was honored with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024 and the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2021.
Beyond her medical and administrative expertise, Vice Admiral Sarin is also a strong advocate for women in the military, often serving as a role model for young women aspiring to join the armed forces. She was recently appointed to the Supreme Court’s National Task Force, which focuses on improving working conditions and safety protocols for medical professionals, reflecting her commitment to advancing healthcare standards within the armed forces.
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Sarin’s appointment as DGAFMS is a significant moment for India’s “Nari Shakti” initiative, which aims to empower women in leadership roles across various sectors. Her historic achievement is expected to inspire future generations of women in the military and beyond.
This new chapter in Vice Admiral Sarin’s career places her at the helm of medical policy for the entire armed forces, reporting directly to the Ministry of Defence.
