Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), recently visited Military Hospital Jammu, marking a historically significant moment in India’s military medical landscape. Her visit on June 22 drew national attention to the facility’s crucial role in advanced casualty care during Operation Sindoor, a significant counter-terror operation initiated on May 7, 2025.
As part of her ongoing assessment of frontline medical units, Vice Admiral Sarin was warmly received by the Commandant of the hospital, who provided an extensive briefing on the institution’s operational functions in both peacetime and high-pressure combat scenarios. She commended the hospital staff for their swift and professional response in handling complex trauma cases during Operation Sindoor, highlighting the demanding environment in which they delivered care.
In recognition of the team’s outstanding efforts, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin presented the DGAFMS Unit Appreciation award to the hospital, along with a ceremonial flag honoring the staff’s dedication to service. The award ceremony witnessed participation from senior officers of the armed forces, emphasizing the increasing importance of medical support in contemporary military operations.
Vice Admiral Sarin, an esteemed alumna of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, brings over three decades of extensive experience to her role. Specializing in radiodiagnosis and radiation oncology, she has held key positions in renowned medical institutions such as INHS Asvini and AFMC. Her appointment as DGAFMS in October 2024 was groundbreaking, marking her as the first woman to lead this pivotal role in the military. During her visit to Jammu, she actively engaged with both patients and staff, showcasing her approachable and hands-on leadership style.
Her presence at the hospital not only highlights her individual accomplishments but also signifies the rising involvement of women in senior military roles, reflecting a broader transformation within India’s defense medical services. Recently, she was appointed to a Supreme Court-mandated National Task Force aimed at enhancing protections for medical professionals, further underscoring her impact on national health policy and military readiness.
The performance of Military Hospital Jammu during Operation Sindoor has set new benchmarks for emergency medical responses in combat situations, demonstrating the facility’s commitment to continuous modernization and advanced training. As a model for other military medical establishments across the country, the hospital is poised to influence future operational standards.
Overall, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin’s visit serves not merely as an inspection but as a tribute to the evolving strength and adaptability of India’s military medical infrastructure, highlighting the critical role of healthcare in times of conflict.
