Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, AVSM, VSM, the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), conducted a significant operational visit to the 92 Base Hospital at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar. As the first woman to hold this prestigious position, Admiral Sarin focused on evaluating the hospital’s medical operational readiness and efficiency, crucial for delivering healthcare in a strategically vital and challenging region like Jammu and Kashmir.
During her visit, Admiral Sarin interacted closely with the hospital staff, including officers, nursing officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs), and other ranks. She lauded their professionalism and dedication, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards of medical care under demanding circumstances. She also took time to meet with patients, offering words of encouragement and stressing the role of a positive mindset in overcoming medical challenges.
Addressing the troops, Admiral Sarin urged them to uphold the values of the Army Medical Corps (AMC), encouraging all ranks to keep the AMC flag flying high. The AMC, which supports the medical needs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the health and well-being of armed forces personnel, particularly in operational field areas.
In a symbolic gesture of environmental stewardship, Admiral Sarin participated in a tree plantation drive at the hospital premises. Joined by personnel from various units, she planted saplings, highlighting the armed forces’ commitment to sustainability. This initiative mirrors other military-led environmental efforts in the region, such as the recent afforestation drive in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, where soldiers and locals collaborated to combat air pollution and global warming. The tree plantation activity underscores the military’s broader mission to contribute to ecological balance while fostering community engagement in environmentally sensitive areas.
The visit also featured ceremonial exchanges, including the presentation of mementos, which reinforced camaraderie and morale among the troops. A group photograph captured the unity of the personnel present, with the AMC flag and other military banners proudly displayed, symbolizing the collaborative spirit of the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services.
Admiral Sarin’s visit reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to maintaining world-class medical infrastructure, even in operational zones. The 92 Base Hospital’s efforts align with the DGAFMS’s goals of standardizing trauma care protocols and enhancing collaboration with civilian healthcare systems to improve overall medical outcomes. Her presence in Srinagar not only highlighted the critical role of military medicine but also underscored the importance of resilience, sustainability, and unity in serving the nation.
