Arti Sarin: First Woman DG of Armed Forces Medical Services

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, became the first woman officer to take over as the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). The DGAFMS is directly responsible to the Ministry of Defence for overall medical policy matters which relate to the Armed Forces.

Created History

• She has assumed leadership of the Tri-Service Armed Forces Medical Services, making history as the first woman officer to hold this position.
• She is also the highest-ranking woman officer ever to have served in the Indian Armed Forces.
• Her appointment comes two months after Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair took over as the DG of Medical Services (Army), the first woman officer to be appointed to the position.

Remarks by Her

• As the first woman officer to be appointed to this position, it is a huge honor.
• I would like to continue the legacy of my seniors who have set out a vision document in keeping with Viksit Bharat.
• I intend to strengthen the holistic healthcare of soldiers, sailors, airmen and their dependents.

Who is Vice Admiral Arti Sarin?

• Commissioned in December 1985, Vice Admiral Arti Sarin graduated from the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, Maharashtra.
• She holds a Diplomate National Board in radiation oncology from the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, an MD in radiodiagnosis from AFMC, and gamma knife surgical training from the University of Pittsburgh in the US.
• Throughout her 38-year career, she held a number of important positions.
• Sarin held the esteemed positions of DG Medical Services for the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force before taking on the role of 46th DGAFMS.

Postings 

• Vice Admiral Sarin has served as the Command Medical Officer of the Southern Naval Command (SNC) and,
• The Western Naval Command (WNC),
• As well as the commander of two significant units,
• INHS (Indian Naval Hospital Ship) Asvini and AFMC (Armed Force Medical College).

Served in All 3 Services

• She holds the unique distinction of having served in the army as a lieutenant to captain, the Navy as a surgeon vice admiral, and the Indian Air Force as an air marshal. It is true that military doctors may be transferred to different services.

Award 

• In July 2024, President Droupadi Murmu awarded her the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in recognition of her outstanding service.
• Vishisht Seva Medal in 2021.
• She has also been conferred with Chief of Army Staff Commendation (2017),
• Chief of Naval Staff Commendation (2001) and
• General Officer Commanding –in-Chief Commendation (2013) for distinguished service.

Tenure and Role

• Sarin will head AFMS for two years.
• She will be responsible for overall medical policy matters related to the Armed Forces.

“Nari Shakti” Leadership

• The Flag Officer has been recently appointed as a member of the National Task Force by the Supreme Court to formulate safe working conditions and protocols for medical professionals.
• She has been at the forefront of motivating young women to join the Armed Forces and is a shining icon for the Nari Shakti initiative of the Government.

About DGAFMS

• The Directorate General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) is the head of the medical services of the Indian Armed Forces.
• The DGAFMS is responsible for the overall medical policy of the Armed Forces
• The DGAFMS advises the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Minister of Defence on the medical needs of the Armed Forces
• The DGAFMS coordinates the medical services of the Army, Navy, and Air Force
• The DGAFMS is the cadre controlling authority for all officers and civilians in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).

 

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, became the first woman officer to take over as the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).
Historic Achievement	First woman officer to be appointed as Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS)
Highest Rank	First woman officer to serve as the highest-ranking officer in the Indian Armed Forces
Appointment	Appointed two months after Lt. Gen. Sadhna Saxena Nair as the DG of Medical Services (Army)
Awards and Recognitions	Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2024), Vishisht Seva Medal (2021), Chief of Army and Naval Staff commendations General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Commendation (2013)