Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), made a significant visit to a combat hospital in South Kashmir on April 12, 2025. As the first woman to hold the prestigious position of DGAFMS since her appointment on October 1, 2024, her visit underscored the critical role of military medical services in ensuring the health and readiness of soldiers stationed along the Line of Control (LoC).
During her tour, Surgeon VAdm Sarin lauded the “unrelenting spirit, selfless commitment, and dedication” of the combat hospital staff, whom she referred to as “Combat Healers.” She emphasized their vital contribution to Force Health Protection, a cornerstone of maintaining operational readiness for troops deployed in the challenging and sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir.
The visit highlighted the Armed Forces Medical Services’ (AFMS) ongoing efforts to provide top-tier medical support, with the AFMS overseeing 112 military hospitals across India as of 2020.
As part of her itinerary, Sarin paid a heartfelt tribute to fallen soldiers at the Uri War Memorial, a site that honors the sacrifices of those who have served in the region. She also visited Kaman Aman Setu, known as the “Bridge of Peace,” located in the Uri sector of Baramulla district on the LoC. This landmark, which opened in 2007, has evolved from a strategic military outpost into a symbol of reconciliation and a popular tourist destination, reflecting the Indian Army’s efforts to promote peace and connectivity in the region.
The visit comes at a time when the AFMS continues to play a pivotal role in integrating medical services across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, a structure formalized by the Government of India in 1948. Surgeon VAdm Sarin’s leadership marks a historic milestone for the organization, and her engagement with frontline medical units underscores the importance of robust healthcare support in conflict zones.
