Key Points
- Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja to take charge as DGAFMS on 31 August 2026
- Thareja led medical preparedness for India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission
- Outgoing DGAFMS Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin retires after distinguished tenure
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, presently serving as Director General Medical Services (Air), has been appointed as the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), the government announced on Friday (31 July). He will assume charge on the afternoon of 31 August 2026, succeeding the incumbent DGAFMS, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, who retires on the same day.
The DGAFMS heads the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), a tri-service organisation that provides healthcare to serving personnel and veterans of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The appointment marks the continuation of leadership from a medical specialist with extensive operational and administrative experience across all three services.
Air Marshal Thareja brings nearly four decades of military medical experience to the role. Commissioned in December 1986, he is an alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. He obtained his MD in Medicine in 1997 and a DM in Gastroenterology from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, in 2005, where he received the Best DM Student Award.
In his current role as Director General Medical Services (Air), Air Marshal Thareja has led several initiatives to strengthen operational medical readiness. His efforts have been central to the AFMS’ medical preparedness for India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission, the country’s first crewed space programme being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
He also led the operationalisation of the BHISHM Cube, a portable hospital system designed for rapid deployment during disasters, military operations and humanitarian missions. The Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri (BHISHM) Cube is a containerised mobile medical unit that can be airlifted and set up within hours, providing emergency surgical and critical care capabilities in remote or conflict zones.
The air marshal has held several senior appointments during his career, including Senior Consultant (Medicine) at the Office of the DGAFMS, Commandant of Military Hospital Pathankot, Commandant of Command Hospital Lucknow, and Director and Commandant of AFMC, Pune.
Academic credentials
An alumnus of the National Defence College, Air Marshal Thareja secured an ‘A’ grading in all his military courses. Beyond his clinical and administrative work, he has made significant contributions to medical education and research. He has guided numerous postgraduate and super-speciality students and authored over 50 scientific publications in national and international medical journals.
In recognition of his service, he has been awarded the Sena Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal twice, the second award denoted by the ‘Bar’ suffix. The decorations recognise distinguished service and devotion to duty in the armed forces.
The outgoing DGAFMS, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, holds the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal. Her retirement marks the end of a distinguished tenure leading the tri-service medical organisation.
Air Marshal Thareja’s appointment continues the tradition of selecting officers with combined expertise in clinical medicine, military operations and healthcare administration to lead the AFMS. The organisation is responsible for medical support during peacetime and wartime operations, running military hospitals across the country and conducting medical research for defence applications.
Your Questions, Answered
Who is the new DGAFMS?
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja has been appointed as the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services. He currently serves as Director General Medical Services (Air) and will take charge on 31 August 2026.
What is the DGAFMS role?
The DGAFMS heads the Armed Forces Medical Services, a tri-service organisation that provides healthcare to serving personnel and veterans of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
What is the BHISHM Cube?
The Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri (BHISHM) Cube is a portable containerised hospital system designed for rapid deployment during disasters, military operations and humanitarian missions.
Who is the outgoing DGAFMS?
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin is the current DGAFMS. She will retire on 31 August 2026 after a distinguished tenure leading the tri-service medical organisation.
