Surgeon Vice-Admiral Arti Sarin: 1st Female DG Of Armed Forces Medical Services

Surgeon Vice-Admiral Arti Sarin took charge as the Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) on October 1, making history as the first woman to helm the apex position. The DGAFMS is directly responsible to the Ministry of Defence for overall medical policy matters related to the tri-services. She is also a member of the recent National Task Force by the Supreme Court to formulate safe working conditions and protocols for India's medical professionals.

Who Is Arti Sarin?

Surgeon Vice-Admiral Sarin is the 46th DGAFMS of India. Before this, the Flag Officer held numerous revered positions in the armed forces including DG Medical Services (Navy), DG Medical Services (Air) and Director & Commandant of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. 

Sarin completed her education at the AFMC in Pune, where she earned an MD in Radiodiagnosis. She is also a Diplomate National Board in Radiation Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, complemented with training in Gamma Knife Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh. 

Sarin joined the AFMS in December 1985. In her career spanning 38 years, she has held many academic and administrative appointments like Professor & Head, Radiation Oncology, Army Hospital (R&R) and Command Medical Officer in the Indian Navy’s Southern and Western Naval Commands. 

According to the Ministry of Defence, Sarin has the rare distinction of serving in all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, having served as Lieutenant to Captain in the Indian Army, from Surgeon Lieutenant to Surgeon Vice Admiral in the Indian Navy and as an Air Marshal in the Indian Air Force. 

Sarin became the recipient of the coveted Ati Vishist Seva Medal in 2024 and Vishist Seva Medal in 2021. She has also earned a Chief of Army Staff Commendation (2017), Chief of Naval Staff Commendation (2001) and General Officer Commanding–in–Chief Commendation (2013) for distinguished service.