In a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai, SM, VSM, assumed office as the Director General Medical Services (Navy) on October 14, 2024. The senior flag officer, with a distinguished career spanning over three decades, brings her wealth of expertise and leadership to this prestigious role.
Commissioned into the Army Medical Corps on December 30, 1986, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sahai has consistently displayed excellence in her service to the nation. An alumnus of the esteemed Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, she went on to specialize in Pathology and further super-specialized in Oncopathology at the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
Over the years, her deep expertise in medical sciences has been recognized at key military medical institutions where she held leadership positions, including as Professor and Head of the Department of Laboratory Sciences at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. Additionally, she served as a Professor in the Department of Pathology at AFMC, Pune.
Before assuming her new role, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sahai had the distinction of being the first woman Commandant of the Army Medical Corps (AMC) Centre & College and Officer-in-Charge Records. She also made history as the first woman officer to be elected as the Colonel Commandant of the Army Medical Corps, a testament to her exceptional capabilities and pioneering spirit.
Her career achievements extend beyond her clinical and academic roles. Surgeon Vice Admiral Sahai has demonstrated a keen interest in medical education, earning the prestigious Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) Fellowship in 2013-14 from Philadelphia, USA. This fellowship underscored her dedication to advancing medical education and training.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Sahai’s remarkable service has been recognized through numerous honors and awards. In 2024, she was conferred the Sena Medal (SM) for her exemplary service, adding to the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) she received in 2018. Throughout her career, she has also received commendations from the Chief of the Army Staff twice (in 2008 and 2012) and from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Western Command) in 2010.
Her appointment marks yet another inspiring achievement for women in the Indian Armed Forces, and her leadership is expected to further strengthen the medical services of the Indian Navy.
