Her career spans over four decades, and she has served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force—a rare achievement in the Indian Armed Forces.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin has made history by becoming the first woman to head the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) in India. She assumed the role of Director General of the AFMS (DGAFMS) on October 1, 2024.
Her career spans over four decades, and she has served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force—a rare achievement in the Indian Armed Forces.
Arti Sarin was born at the Army Base Hospital in Delhi Cantonment. She comes from a family with a strong naval tradition. Her father was a Commander, and her brother is a Commodore in the Indian Navy. Arti attended the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, where she earned her MBBS degree.
She further completed an MD in Radiodiagnosis from AFMC and a Diplomate of the National Board in Radiation Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. She also trained in Gamma Knife Surgery in the United States.
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Arti Sarin joined the Armed Forces Medical Services in December 1985. She is one of the few officers to have served in all three branches of the military. She has held important positions, including Director General Medical Services for the Navy and Air Force, and Director and Commandant of AFMC, Pune. She also served as Professor and Head of Radiation Oncology at major military hospitals.
Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic earned her widespread recognition. She has also served in conflict zones such as Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, showing courage and dedication.
Arti Sarin has received several awards for her distinguished service. Key recognitions include:
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Arti Sarin is married to Surgeon Rear Admiral C. S. Naidu, a hepatobiliary surgeon in the Navy. They are the first couple in the history of the Indian Navy to serve as Chief Medical Officers of naval commands. Despite her busy career, Arti balances her professional and personal life admirably.
As Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services, Arti Sarin leads the integrated medical services of the Indian military. She is the first woman to hold this top medical position, making her a trailblazer for women in the armed forces. Her career achievements, service in all three military branches, and awards highlight her commitment to excellence and leadership.
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