New Delhi: The Government has appointed Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, SM, VSM & Bar, as the next Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). He will assume the office following the retirement of Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, on August 31, 2026.
Air Marshal Thareja brings with him a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), during which he has served with distinction in a wide range of clinical, academic, operational and administrative roles.
His appointment comes at a time when the Armed Forces Medical Services continue to strengthen medical preparedness, modernise healthcare infrastructure and enhance medical support for the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Throughout his career, Air Marshal Thareja has held several important appointments and has made significant contributions to military medicine, healthcare administration, medical education and operational medical support. His extensive experience across diverse domains has earned him recognition as one of the senior-most medical officers in the Armed Forces.
A recipient of the Sena Medal (SM), Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) and Bar to the Vishisht Seva Medal, Air Marshal Thareja has been recognised for his exceptional professional competence, dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the Armed Forces Medical Services.
As the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, he will head the country’s apex military medical organisation, responsible for overseeing healthcare services for personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, as well as their dependants. He will also play a key role in shaping policies related to military healthcare, medical education, operational medical support, research and the overall modernisation of the Armed Forces’ medical infrastructure.
Air Marshal Thareja succeeds Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, whose tenure as DGAFMS concludes with her retirement on August 31, 2026.
