Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), made a significant visit to Military Hospital Jammu on June 22, marking a milestone in India’s military medical history. Her visit brought national attention to the hospital’s key role in providing advanced casualty care during Operation Sindoor, a major cross-border counter-terror operation launched by India on May 7, 2025.
The visit was part of Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin’s ongoing review of frontline medical units. She was received by the Commandant of the hospital and given a comprehensive briefing on the facility’s operational role, both during peacetime and in high-intensity combat scenarios. She praised the staff for their swift and professional response during Operation Sindoor, where military medics handled sensitive trauma cases under pressure.
In recognition of their efforts, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin presented the DGAFMS Unit Appreciation to the hospital, honoring its staff with a ceremonial flag dedicated to their service. The award ceremony was attended by senior officers from the armed forces, highlighting the growing role of medical support in modern warfare.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin, an alumna of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, brings over three decades of experience to her role. With specializations in radiodiagnosis and radiation oncology, she has led key medical institutions including INHS Asvini and AFMC. Her appointment as DGAFMS in October 2024 broke new ground in military leadership, making her the first woman to hold the position. Her visit to Jammu was characterized by direct engagement with patients and staff, emphasizing her hands-on leadership style.
Her presence also underscores the increasing involvement of women in senior military roles and highlights the transformation in India’s defence medical services. Recently, she was appointed to a Supreme Court-mandated National Task Force to strengthen protections for medical professionals, further reflecting her influence on national health policy and military readiness.
Military Hospital Jammu’s role during Operation Sindoor has set new standards for emergency medical response under combat conditions. With the hospital’s continued modernization and training, it stands as a model for other military medical facilities in the country.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin’s visit serves not just as an inspection, but as a tribute to the evolving strength and adaptability of India’s armed forces medical infrastructure, especially in times of conflict.
