In a significant step towards advancing healthcare services in the Indian armed forces, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), visited the Indian Air Force Maintenance Command (HQMC) in Nagpur today. As the first woman to hold the prestigious DGAFMS position, Sarin’s visit underscores a renewed focus on healthcare modernization, technology integration, and domestic capability building within the defence medical framework.
During her visit, Vice Admiral Sarin held detailed discussions with Air Marshal VK Garg, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Maintenance Command, focusing on current and future initiatives aimed at enhancing medical services for armed forces personnel and their families. She briefed senior officers on comprehensive plans to modernize healthcare delivery, including the incorporation of cutting-edge medical technologies and infrastructure upgrades across military facilities.
Reiterating the importance of aligning with national goals of self-reliance, Sarin emphasized the adoption of ‘Make in India’ medical equipment and technologies to reduce dependency on imports. This push aligns with India’s broader vision to expand its MedTech sector, expected to reach $50 billion by 2030.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin also visited medical installations at the base, interacting with healthcare professionals and patients. She was briefed by Air Vice Marshal Avinash Das, Principal Medical Officer at HQMC, on various improvements in patient care, training modules, and facility development. Impressed by the dedication of the staff, she acknowledged their contribution to maintaining high standards in military healthcare.
Her visit coincides with the government’s increased emphasis on healthcare funding, as reflected in the Union Budget 2025–26 allocation of Rs. 99,858 crore. As DGAFMS since October 2024, Sarin is steering reforms to ensure holistic, modern, and self-reliant healthcare for the armed forces, echoing her decades of service across all three military branches.
With over 38 years of experience and advanced expertise in radiodiagnosis and radiation oncology, Sarin’s leadership is poised to transform military medical services and contribute significantly to India’s aspirations in healthcare innovation and defence preparedness.
