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In a groundbreaking moment for India’s military, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin made history on October 1, 2024, by becoming the first woman to assume the esteemed position of Director-General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DG AFMS). This appointment, a testament to her exceptional career, marks a significant milestone not only for the medical services but also for gender equality within the Indian Armed Forces. On Indian Army Day, let's appreciate and honour Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin for her dedication and achievements.
A Career of Distinction
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Vice Admiral Sarin's career spans 38 years of service, beginning in December 1985 when she was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) after graduating from the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune. With her unparalleled expertise in medical services, she has carved a path that very few women have walked, especially within the rigorous and male-dominated military establishment.
Her educational qualifications are nothing short of impressive. Sarin holds an MD in Radiodiagnosis from AFMC, a Diplomate National Board in Radiation Oncology from the renowned Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, and further advanced training in Gamma Knife Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh, USA. Her robust academic background has laid the foundation for a distinguished career in military medicine, during which she has contributed to a range of vital health services.
Leading with Authority and Compassion
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Before becoming the 46th DG AFMS, Vice Admiral Sarin held key positions in the medical services across all three branches of India’s military. She served as the Director-General of Medical Services for both the Navy and the Air Force and was the Director and Commandant of AFMC, Pune, a role that saw her shape the training of future medical officers.
Her leadership capabilities are evident in her earlier postings as the Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini and as the Command Medical Officer in the Indian Navy’s Southern and Western Naval Commands. Sarin’s administrative skills and commitment to healthcare have made her a respected figure in all these roles, overseeing the health and well-being of personnel in sometimes challenging environments.
The Groundbreaker: Serving Across All Three Branches
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A particularly rare achievement in her career is her distinction of having served in all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. Sarin has worked as a Lieutenant to Captain in the Indian Army, a Surgeon Lieutenant to Surgeon Vice-Admiral in the Indian Navy, and an Air Marshal in the Indian Air Force. Her multi-branch experience speaks to her versatility and adaptability, qualities that have set her apart as a leader in military healthcare.
Sarin’s dedication has been recognised through various prestigious awards, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2024 and the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2021. For her exemplary service, she has also received commendations from the Chief of Army Staff (2017), the Chief of Naval Staff (2001), and the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (2013).
Her appointment as a member of the Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force to formulate safe working conditions for medical professionals underscores her commitment to military health and the wider medical community. Sarin is helping to establish protocols that safeguard the well-being of healthcare workers, further extending her influence beyond the military.
A Champion for Women in Defence
Vice Admiral Sarin is a role model for countless women aspiring to break barriers in the armed forces. A vocal advocate for female participation in the military, she has actively encouraged young women to consider joining the defence services. Her leadership exemplifies the Nari Shakti initiative by the Indian government, which aims to empower women in various sectors, including the military.
Her appointment as DG AFMS is a monumental achievement in the journey towards gender equality within the armed forces. It has inspired many who now see the military not as an exclusive domain but as a space where women can lead, innovate, and excel.
Looking Ahead: The Path Forward
As DG AFMS, Vice Admiral Sarin now oversees the medical care of over 1.4 million personnel across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This role places her at the forefront of military healthcare policy, where her decisions impact the health and readiness of India’s armed forces.
With her extensive experience and forward-thinking leadership, Sarin is poised to lead the AFMS into a new era, one where the health infrastructure is continuously improved to meet the demands of modern warfare and peacekeeping missions. Her leadership promises not only to improve healthcare for military personnel but also to set a lasting example for women in leadership roles within the defence services.