Armed Forces Medical College Commissions New Batch of Medical Cadets into AFMS Under Leadership of Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin
In a momentous event at Pune's Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), a new cohort of medical cadets was formally inducted into the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). The ceremony took place at the Bharadwaj Auditorium and was led by Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, who made history as the first woman to head the AFMS following her appointment as Director General in 2024.
Senior officers, faculty, veterans, and the cadets' families were in attendance, including notable figures such as Lt Gen Pankaj P Rao, Commandant of AFMC, and Maj Gen Giriraj Singh, Dean of the institution. This gathering not only celebrated the cadets' accomplishments but also reaffirmed the enduring principles of military medicine in India.
During her speech, Surg Vice Admiral Sarin commended the newly commissioned officers and urged them to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in their service to the nation. She underscored the vital contributions of military doctors not only in conflict zones but also in disaster relief, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions.
Since its founding in 1962, AFMC has trained over 6,000 doctors who have served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The college has earned a storied reputation through its involvement in significant operations, such as the 1999 Kargil War, solidifying its place in both national and military history.
The AFMS comprises the Army Medical Corps, Army Dental Corps, and Military Nursing Service, and continues to advance with medical technology and improved operational readiness. Data from the Ministry of Defence in 2023 indicates a 15% improvement in deployment efficiency for overseas and peacekeeping missions, highlighting the strategic role of the AFMS.
The commissioning ceremony not only initiates the careers of a new wave of military doctors but also signifies the continuing influence of AFMC in shaping the future of India's defense healthcare framework.
