Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair has made history by assuming the role of Director General Medical Services (Army) on August 1, 2024, becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Her appointment follows a trailblazing career in the Armed Forces, where she also became the first woman to serve as the Director General of Hospital Services (Armed Forces) after her promotion to Air Marshal.
Lt Gen Nair’s academic journey began at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, where she graduated with a distinguished record. She was commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1985 and has since acquired a Post Graduate degree in Family Medicine, along with Diplomas in Maternal & Child Health and Health Care Management.
Her training extends to a two-year program in Medical Informatics at AIIMS, New Delhi, and specialized training in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces, and Military Medical Ethics with the Swiss Armed Forces in Spiez.
In her impressive career, Lt Gen Nair has served as the first woman Principal Medical Officer of both the Western Air Command and the Training Command in the Indian Air Force. Her expertise in medical education led to her nomination as an expert member of the Dr. Kasturirangan Committee, tasked with drafting the medical education component of the National Education Policy.
Lt Gen Nair’s contributions to the medical field and military service have been recognized with multiple commendations, including those from the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, and Chief of the Air Staff, as well as the prestigious Vishisht Seva Medal awarded by the President of India.
Lt Gen Nair’s groundbreaking appointment as DGMS (Army) not only highlights her formidable expertise and leadership in military medicine but also marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance gender equality within the Indian Armed Forces. Her leadership is expected to continue driving innovations and improvements in military healthcare services, ensuring the welfare of all service personnel.
