Vice Admiral Arti Sarin becomes first female chief of Armed Forces Medical Services
She was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services in December 1985 and is a graduate of AFMC, Pune.
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, a surgeon, is the first female officer to hold the position of Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). The DGAFMS is accountable to the Ministry of Defence for all medical policy concerns pertaining to the armed forces.
She is one of the few people who has served in all three military branches. Vice Admiral Sarin held the positions of Air Marshal in the Indian Air Force, Lieutenant to Captain in the Indian Army, and Surgeon Lieutenant to Surgeon Vice Admiral in the Indian Navy. She served a number of positions before being named the 46th DGAFMS, including Director & Commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, and DG Medical Services (Air) and Navy.
She was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services in December 1985 and is a graduate of AFMC, Pune.
Recognition and Honours
In the Indian Navy’s Southern and Western Naval Commands, Vice Admiral Sarin held several academic and administrative positions, including Professor and Head of Radiation Oncology at Army Hospital (R&R) and Command Hospital (Southern Command)/AFMC Pune, Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini, and Command Medical Officer.
The Flag Officer received the Vishist Seva Medal in 2021 and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal in 2024 for her steadfast commitment and devotion to patient care.
According to the ministry, she also received the 2013 General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Commendation, the Chief of Army Staff Commendation (2017), and the Chief of Naval Staff Commendation (2001) for her meritorious service. “In a career spanning 38 years, the Flag Officer has held prestigious academic and administrative appointments, including Professor and Head, Radiation Oncology, Army Hospital (R&R) and Command Hospital (Southern Command)/AFMC Pune, Commanding Officer, INHS Asvini, Command Medical Officer in the Indian Navy’s Southern and Western Naval Commands,” the statement noted.
“The Flag Officer has been at the forefront of encouraging young women to join the armed forces and is a shining icon for the government’s ‘Nari Shakti’ initiative,” the statement added. “She was recently appointed as a member of the National Task Force by the Supreme Court to develop safe working conditions and protocols for medical professionals.”
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