Vice Admiral Arti Sarin: First Woman to Lead DGAFMS

Historic Appointment and Role

• Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin became the first woman to head the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) on October 1, 2024.
• She is the 46th DGAFMS and the highest-ranking woman officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
• DGAFMS is directly responsible to the Ministry of Defence for overall medical policy matters related to the Armed Forces.
• Sarin will lead AFMS for two years, succeeding Lt Gen Daljit Singh.
• Her appointment is seen as a significant milestone for women in the Indian military and a boost to women's empowerment in the Armed Forces.

Career Highlights and Achievements

• Commissioned in December 1985 after graduating from Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune.
• Has served in all three branches of the Armed Forces - Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Holds two postgraduate degrees: MD in Radiodiagnosis and Diplomate National Board in Radiation Oncology.
• Trained in Gamma Knife surgery from the University of Pittsburgh, USA.

Previously held positions include:

• • Director General of Medical Services for both Navy and Air Force
  • Director and Commandant of AFMC, Pune
  • Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini
  • Command Medical Officer in Southern and Western Naval Commands
• Awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) by President Droupadi Murmu in July 2024 for exceptional service.

Contributions and Initiatives

• At the forefront of motivating young women to join the armed forces.
• Considered a "shining icon" for the government's Nari Shakti initiative.
• Recently appointed as a member of the National Task Force by the Supreme Court to formulate safe working conditions and protocols for medical professionals.
• The task force aims to prevent violence against medical professionals and provide enforceable national protocols for dignified and safe working conditions.

Context and Significance

• Sarin's appointment comes two months after Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair became the first woman Director General of Medical Services (Army).
• She is the first woman among 46 DGAFMS appointees, breaking a long-standing gender barrier in the position.
• Her role as DGAFMS involves overseeing medical policy matters for all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces.
• This appointment reflects the growing representation of women in senior positions within the Indian military.
• It aligns with broader efforts to increase gender diversity and inclusion in the Armed Forces.