In a pivotal move aimed at enhancing healthcare services within the Indian armed forces, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), visited the Indian Air Force Maintenance Command (HQMC) in Nagpur. This visit marks a significant milestone, as Sarin is the first woman to assume the prestigious DGAFMS position, highlighting a committed focus on modernizing healthcare, integrating technology, and building domestic capabilities within the defense medical framework.
During her visit, Vice Admiral Sarin engaged in in-depth discussions with Air Marshal VK Garg, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Maintenance Command. Their discussions revolved around current and prospective initiatives aimed at augmenting medical services for armed forces personnel and their families. Sarin briefed senior officers on comprehensive plans designed to modernize healthcare delivery by incorporating advanced medical technologies and upgrading infrastructure across military facilities.
Emphasizing the need for self-reliance, Sarin underscored the significance of adopting ‘Make in India’ medical equipment and technologies. This initiative is intended to diminish reliance on imports, aligning with the nation’s broader ambition to expand its medical technology sector, which is projected to reach a valuation of $50 billion by 2030.
During her visit, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin toured medical installations at the base, taking the opportunity to interact with healthcare professionals and patients alike. She received insights from Air Vice Marshal Avinash Das, the Principal Medical Officer at HQMC, regarding various enhancements in patient care, training modules, and facility development. Sarin expressed her admiration for the commitment displayed by the medical staff, acknowledging their pivotal role in upholding high standards in military healthcare.
This visit occurs against the backdrop of the government’s renewed emphasis on healthcare funding, evidenced by the Union Budget for 2025–26, which allocated Rs. 99,858 crore to the sector. Having assumed her role as DGAFMS in October 2024, Sarin is at the helm of reforms aimed at ensuring a holistic, modern, and self-sufficient healthcare framework for the armed forces, reflecting her extensive experience and dedicated service across all three military branches.
With more than 38 years of expertise, particularly in radiodiagnosis and radiation oncology, Sarin’s leadership is expected to significantly transform military medical services, bolstering India’s aspirations for healthcare innovation and defense preparedness.
