In a historic first, Vice Admiral Arti Sarin has been appointed as the Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), becoming the first woman officer to lead the tri-services medical establishment.
An alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Sarin was commissioned in 1985 and went on to specialise in Radiodiagnosis and Radiation Oncology, with advanced training at the Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, and the University of Pittsburgh, USA. Over her distinguished four-decade career, she has held key leadership roles, including Commandant of INHS Asvini in Mumbai and Command Medical Officer of both the Southern and Western Naval Commands.
Sarin played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing quarantine facilities and medical preparedness, and has also served in challenging operational areas such as Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir.
For her exemplary service, she has been decorated with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2024) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (2021), along with commendations from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Hailing from a naval family, Sarin’s achievement marks a significant milestone in the Armed Forces, breaking gender barriers and setting a new precedent in military medical leadership.
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