Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin becomes first woman to take over as DG, Armed Forces Medical Services

Person in News: Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin

Headline: First woman officer to take over as Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) – October 1, 2024

UPSC-Style Notes:

• Position: Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), reports directly to Ministry of Defence for overall medical policy matters relating to Armed Forces.
• Historic Significance: First woman officer to assume DGAFMS role.
• Career Span: 38 years in Armed Forces Medical Services across all three services – Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Education & Training:
  • Alumnus of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune.
  • MD in Radiodiagnosis (AFMC, Pune).
  • Diplomate National Board in Radiation Oncology (Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai).
  • Trained in Gamma Knife Surgery (University of Pittsburgh, USA).
• Previous Key Appointments:
  • DG Medical Services (Navy)
  • DG Medical Services (Air)
  • Director & Commandant, AFMC Pune
  • Professor & Head, Radiation Oncology (Army Hospital & AFMC Pune)
  • Commanding Officer, INHS Asvini
  • Command Medical Officer, Southern & Western Naval Commands
• Unique Distinction: Served in all three branches of Indian Armed Forces – Army (Lt to Capt), Navy (Surgeon Lt to Surgeon Vice Admiral), Air Force (Air Marshal rank equivalent).
• Awards & Recognitions:
  • Ati Vishist Seva Medal (2024)
  • Vishist Seva Medal (2021)
  • Chief of Army Staff Commendation (2017)
  • Chief of Naval Staff Commendation (2001)
  • General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Commendation (2013)
• Other Contributions:
  • Member of National Task Force (Supreme Court) for safe working conditions & protocols for medical professionals.
  • Promoter of Nari Shakti initiative; motivates young women to join Armed Forces.
• Relevance for UPSC:
  • Role model for women empowerment in defence services.
  • Highlights integration of healthcare with national defence.
  • Represents intersection of leadership, medical expertise, and service in armed forces.
    
    
     Updated - 01 OCT 2024 12:42 PM   | PIB