Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja Appointed as DGAFMS from August 31, 2026
In a significant leadership change within the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), the Government of India has appointed Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, SM, VSM & Bar, as the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) with effect from the afternoon of August 31, 2026.
He will assume the country’s highest military medical appointment following the retirement of Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, who has led the AFMS with distinction. The appointment reflects Air Marshal Thareja’s nearly four decades of dedicated service in military medicine across clinical, operational, academic, and administrative domains.
Who is Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja?
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja is one of the most experienced and respected officers in the Armed Forces Medical Services. An alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, he has built an illustrious career spanning almost 40 years.
Throughout his service, he has held several prestigious appointments involving:
- Clinical healthcare delivery
- Medical administration
- Military operations
- Medical education and training
- Strategic healthcare planning
His leadership has significantly contributed to strengthening military healthcare systems and improving medical support for India’s Armed Forces.
Appointment Timeline
| Particular | Details |
| New Appointment | Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) |
| Officer Appointed | Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, SM, VSM & Bar |
| Effective Date | Afternoon of August 31, 2026 |
| Succeeds | Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, PVSM, AVSM, VSM |
| Current Appointment | Director General Medical Services (Air) |
Distinguished Military Career
Air Marshal Thareja’s career reflects extensive experience across all three dimensions of military healthcare.
Clinical Excellence
He has served in multiple military hospitals providing specialist medical care to serving personnel, veterans and their families.
Operational Experience
His service includes medical support during operational deployments, ensuring combat readiness and healthcare preparedness under demanding conditions.
Academic Contributions
As a medical educator and administrator, he has played an important role in training future generations of military doctors and healthcare professionals.
Administrative Leadership
He has held several senior appointments involving policy formulation, healthcare planning, hospital administration and modernization of military medical services.
Previous Important Appointments
Before being appointed DGAFMS, Air Marshal Thareja held several key leadership positions, including:
- Director General Medical Services (Air)
- Director & Commandant, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
- Various senior appointments within the Armed Forces Medical Services
His tenure has been marked by efforts to strengthen medical education, improve healthcare infrastructure, and enhance operational medical preparedness.
Military Awards and Decorations
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja has been honoured with prestigious service awards for his distinguished contributions.
These include:
- Sena Medal (SM)
- Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)
- Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal
These decorations recognize outstanding devotion to duty and exceptional service rendered to the Armed Forces.
What is DGAFMS?
The Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) is the senior-most medical officer responsible for coordinating medical services across:
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
- Indian Air Force
The DGAFMS oversees:
- Military hospitals
- Medical policy
- Healthcare delivery
- Medical logistics
- Disaster response
- Medical education
- Operational medical preparedness
- Tri-Service medical coordination
The appointment is among the most important leadership positions in India’s defence healthcare system.
About Outgoing DGAFMS Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin
Air Marshal Thareja will succeed Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, who retires on August 31, 2026 after an outstanding career in military medicine.
Her tenure witnessed significant initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery within the Armed Forces Medical Services and enhancing integrated medical support across the three Services.
Why This Appointment Matters
The appointment comes at a time when military healthcare continues to evolve with greater emphasis on:
- Integrated Tri-Service medical management
- Advanced trauma care
- Digital healthcare systems
- Military medical research
- Aerospace and operational medicine
- Disaster response capability
- Better healthcare services for serving personnel, veterans and dependents
Air Marshal Thareja’s extensive experience is expected to further strengthen these initiatives.
Key Highlights
- Government appoints Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja as DGAFMS.
- Appointment effective from August 31, 2026.
- He succeeds Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin upon her retirement.
- Nearly 40 years of distinguished military medical service.
- Experience spans clinical, operational, academic and administrative leadership.
- Previously served as DGMS (Air) and Director & Commandant, AFMC Pune.
- Decorated with SM, VSM & Bar.
Conclusion
The appointment of Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja as the next Director General Armed Forces Medical Services marks an important milestone for India’s military healthcare system. With his vast experience in medical leadership, education, operations and healthcare administration, he is well positioned to guide the Armed Forces Medical Services into its next phase of modernization and integrated healthcare delivery.
As he takes charge on August 31, 2026, the Armed Forces Medical Services is expected to continue strengthening its commitment to providing world-class medical care to serving personnel, veterans and their families.