Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin Honored with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal by President for Outstanding Service in Military Healthcare
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, who holds the position of Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) from President Droupadi Murmu. This honor was bestowed during the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in recognition of her outstanding service and significant contributions to military healthcare.
In her current role as Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin represents the highest position within the Armed Forces Medical Services. She achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to lead the tri-service medical organization upon her appointment on 1 October 2024. This appointment also marks her as the highest-ranking female officer in the history of the Indian Armed Forces.
Commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services on 26 December 1985, she graduated from the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, earning her MBBS. She further specialized in Radiology and Radiation Oncology and received advanced training in Gamma Knife Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, USA.
Her nearly four-decade-long career is marked by service across the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, a rare achievement among senior military officers. Before her current role, she served as Director General Medical Services (Air) at the rank of Air Marshal and Director General Medical Services (Navy).
Her extensive service record includes pivotal roles at INHS Asvini, INHS Dhanvantari, INHS Kalyani, INHS Sanjivani, the Armed Forces Medical College, Army Hospital (Research & Referral), and the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL). During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was instrumental in establishing quarantine facilities and implementing innovative healthcare solutions for the Armed Forces.
A respected expert in Radiation Oncology, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin has made substantial contributions to medical education, research, and postgraduate training. She has served as a professor, examiner, and academic mentor while publishing extensively in both national and international medical journals.
Her accolades for outstanding service include the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), as well as commendations from the Chief of the Naval Staff, the Chief of the Army Staff, and the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal acknowledges her exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and sustained contributions to strengthening the Armed Forces Medical Services. Her efforts have been pivotal in advancing military healthcare and operational medical support for India's defense forces.
