In a poignant ceremony blending reflection, gratitude, and forward-looking wisdom, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the trailblazing Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), presided over an interaction with nine Army Medical Corps (AMC) officers superannuating on January 21, 2026. Held under her chairpersonship, the event celebrated careers that collectively spanned three decades of unwavering dedication to the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), while gathering invaluable insights to guide the institution’s evolution.
These retiring officers—seasoned professionals who navigated high-stakes deployments, emergency responses, and the relentless demands of military healthcare—shared candid reflections on their journeys. From treating soldiers in forward areas to advancing medical protocols in peacetime, their stories encapsulated the quiet heroism that sustains the armed forces’ health backbone. Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin, the first woman to helm the DGAFMS since assuming office in October 2024, listened attentively and offered warm commendations for their professionalism and contributions.
As the apex leader of tri-service medical policy, Sarin underscored the enduring impact of such stalwarts on operational readiness and veteran welfare. She conveyed heartfelt best wishes for their “next innings,” recognizing that retirement marks not an end, but a transition to new chapters—often involving continued service to communities, mentoring, or personal pursuits. The gathering reinforced the AFMS ethos of lifelong commitment, where service extends beyond uniform.
This farewell arrives amid broader strides in military medicine under Sarin’s stewardship. Recent initiatives include preventive healthcare programs for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) beneficiaries, environmental sustainability drives like tree plantations at military hospitals, and advanced training such as the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) courses at the AMC Centre & College. Her leadership continues to modernize healthcare delivery across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, ensuring seamless care for over 1.5 crore beneficiaries, including troops, families, and veterans.
Events like this not only honor individual legacies but strengthen institutional memory. As these officers step into civilian life, their shared experiences—distilled into practical advice—will help shape a more resilient, adaptive AFMS ready for future challenges, from battlefield trauma to public health crises.
In an era of rapid medical advancements and evolving security demands, moments of reflection remind us that the true strength of India’s armed forces lies in its people. Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin’s gracious hosting of this interaction stands as a fitting tribute: a salute to distinguished service and a promise of continued excellence in military healthcare.
