From Healing Heroes to Becoming One: Arti Sarin Receives the Param Vishisht Seva Medal

For 75 years, no woman had ever led India's Armed Forces Medical Services. That changed when Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin took charge as the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), becoming the first woman to head the country's tri-service military medical organisation and the highest-ranking female officer in the history of the Indian Armed Forces.Now, the nation has celebrated her extraordinary journey with one of its highest peacetime military honours. During the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) on Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, recognising her decades of distinguished service, visionary leadership and exceptional contribution to military healthcare.From AFMC Graduate to the Highest Medical OfficerArti Sarin's journey began in 1985, when she was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services after graduating from the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune with an MBBS degree. She specialised in Radiology and Radiation Oncology. Over the next four decades, she built an exceptional career serving across the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force—a rare distinction even among senior military officers.Before assuming her present role, she served as Director General Medical Services (Air) in the rank of Air Marshal and later as Director General Medical Services (Navy), steadily earning recognition for her professionalism, expertise and leadership.Leading Healthcare for India's DefendersToday, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin occupies the highest medical appointment in the Indian Armed Forces. As DGAFMS, she oversees healthcare services for lakhs of serving soldiers, sailors, air warriors, veterans and their families across all three services. Her responsibilities extend far beyond military hospitals.She plays a pivotal role in strengthening medical infrastructure, shaping healthcare policies, advancing medical research, improving emergency preparedness and ensuring operational medical readiness for India's defence forces.Inspiring a New GenerationSurgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin's story is about much more than medals and milestones. By becoming the first woman to lead India's Armed Forces Medical Services, she has opened new doors for women in uniform and demonstrated that leadership is defined not by gender, but by excellence, commitment and courage. Her latest honour is a celebration of a career built on service, compassion and unwavering dedication to the nation.As India continues to strengthen its Armed Forces, Arti Sarin's journey stands as a powerful reminder that some of the country's greatest heroes serve not only on the frontlines, but also in hospital wards, operating theatres and military medical institutions—protecting those who protect us.