Meet Vice Admiral Sarin, First Woman to Reach DG Rank of Armed Forces Medical Services

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin made history on October 1 by becoming the first woman to serve as Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). Her appointment marks a significant milestone for women in the Indian military.

As Vice Admiral Sarin took on her new position, she was directly responsible to the Ministry of Defence for managing all issues related to medical policy for the Armed Forces. She is currently the highest-ranking female officer to have served in the Indian Armed Forces, having dedicated nearly 40 years of service.

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Who is Vice Admiral Arti Sarin?

Vice Admiral Sarin, a cancer specialist, joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the year 1985 as an army officer and rose to the rank of air marshal in her approximately 29 years of IAF career. Her rise to the rank of DGAFMS is an impressive accomplishment in an area where three-star female officers are still uncommon.

Vice Admiral Sarin, who is the Director General of Medical Services for the Navy at the moment, has demonstrated her exceptional skill and adaptability by serving in the Army and Air Force as well. As the military's most senior medical official, she will represent all medical matters to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

Vice Admiral Arti Sarin’s Achievements

President Droupadi Murmu awarded Vice Admiral Sarin the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in July of this year. "Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, a true symbol of #NariShakti has uniquely served in all three branches of the Armed Forces. She was honoured with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu for her exceptional service," the Ministry of Defence stated on X. 

This appointment of Vice Admiral Sarin to the post of Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services comes two months after Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair became the first woman to be appointed as Director General of Medical Services (Army).

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