Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), reviewed the Passing Out Parade of the G3 Batch at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, marking a significant milestone in the training of medical officers for the Indian Armed Forces. The ceremony, held in the presence of Lt Gen Pankaj P Rao, Director and Commandant of AFMC, Maj Gen Giriraj Singh, Dean and Deputy Commandant, along with senior officers, dignitaries, veterans, and proud parents, saw the commissioning of 121 medical cadets from the 59th batch as officers into the Indian Armed Forces.
During the event, 95 officers were commissioned into the Indian Army, 11 into the Indian Navy, and 15 into the Indian Air Force, reinforcing AFMC’s critical role in providing skilled medical professionals to the military. The parade showcased the cadets’ discipline and dedication, reflecting the institution’s 77-year legacy since its establishment on May 1, 1948, following the recommendations of the BC Roy Committee.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the first woman to hold the prestigious position of DGAFMS, addressed the gathering, congratulating the newly commissioned officers and their families. She urged the young doctors to uphold the values of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) by committing to selfless service, healing, and dedication to the nation. Highlighting the motto of the Army Medical Corps, “Sarve Santu Niramayah” (Let all be free from disease), she emphasized the importance of maintaining the proud traditions of the AFMS, which has served the armed forces for over 258 years in both peace and conflict.
Arti Sarin’s presence at the event added a historic dimension. Having served in all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces—starting as a Lieutenant in the Army, rising to Surgeon Vice Admiral in the Navy, and holding the rank of Air Marshal in the Air Force—she is the highest-ranking woman officer in the history of the Indian Armed Forces. Her appointment as DGAFMS on October 1, 2024, marked a landmark achievement, making her the sixth woman in the Indian Armed Forces to attain a three-star rank.
The Armed Forces Medical College, established to ensure a steady intake of medical officers, continues to be a cornerstone of military healthcare training in India. The institute’s Graduate Wing, set up on August 4, 1962, has consistently produced doctors who serve with distinction across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of the 59th batch but also underscored AFMC’s enduring commitment to excellence in medical education and service to the nation.
