Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the newly appointed Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), recently conducted a pivotal visit to a combat hospital in South Kashmir, emphasizing the crucial role of military medical services in supporting soldiers along the Line of Control (LoC). Since her appointment on October 1, 2024, Sarin has made history as the first woman to serve in this esteemed position, and her visit on April 12, 2025, reflects her commitment to enhancing healthcare for armed forces personnel.
During her tour of the combat hospital, Surgeon VAdm Sarin praised the staff, referring to them as “Combat Healers,” and commended their “unrelenting spirit, selfless commitment, and dedication.” She underscored the importance of their work in Force Health Protection, which plays a vital role in ensuring operational readiness for troops deployed in the challenging and sensitive terrain of Jammu and Kashmir. Sarin’s acknowledgment of the medical personnel highlights the often-overlooked contributions of healthcare teams in military settings, especially in high-stakes environments.
The visit also reinforced the ongoing efforts of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) to provide high-quality medical support. As of 2020, the AFMS oversees 112 military hospitals across India, demonstrating a robust network dedicated to military health. This infrastructure is essential for maintaining the well-being of soldiers who face both physical and psychological challenges in the line of duty.
In addition to her engagement with healthcare providers, Sarin paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the Uri War Memorial. This solemn site commemorates the sacrifices made by those who served in the region and serves as a reminder of the commitment of the Indian Armed Forces to protect the nation’s sovereignty. Her visit to the Kaman Aman Setu, known as the “Bridge of Peace,” further illustrated her focus on promoting reconciliation. This bridge, inaugurated in 2007, has transitioned from a strategic military outpost to a symbol of connectivity and peace, embodying the Indian Army’s efforts to foster harmony in the region.
Sarin’s leadership comes at a crucial time for the AFMS, which continues to play a significant role in the integration of medical services across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, a framework established by the Government of India in 1948. Her active engagement with frontline medical units not only highlights her dedication to the health of military personnel but also emphasizes the critical importance of resilient healthcare support in zones of conflict. Surgeon VAdm Sarin’s visit demonstrates a clear commitment to advancing military medicine and enhancing the support frameworks for those stationed in challenging environments.
