Vice Admiral Arti Sarin: First Woman to Lead DGAFMS

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin has become the first woman to head the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) in India. Sarin, the 46th DGAFMS, is responsible for overseeing medical policy matters for the Indian Armed Forces.

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.

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