Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja assumed charge as the 47th Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) on September 1, 2026. Before taking over the important appointment, he paid homage to fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
His appointment comes at an important time for the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), with increasing emphasis on operational medical preparedness, jointness, modernisation, digital health, medical research and innovation, and quality healthcare for serving personnel, veterans and their dependents
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja Becomes 47th DGAFMS
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja has taken over as the 47th Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).
As DGAFMS, he will oversee the provision of comprehensive medical support to the Defence Forces. His tenure is expected to focus on strengthening military healthcare capabilities and preparing the AFMS to meet emerging operational and healthcare requirements.
The appointment is particularly significant for the wider defence community because the AFMS provides healthcare services not only to serving personnel but also to veterans and their dependents.
Homage to Fallen Heroes at National War Memorial
Before assuming charge as DGAFMS, Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja visited the National War Memorial, New Delhi, where he laid a wreath and paid homage to the fallen heroes.
The solemn ceremony reflected the military tradition of remembering and honouring personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja: Education and Medical Background
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja is an alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune.
He was commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1986 and has built a career spanning nearly four decades across clinical medicine, medical education, military operations and administration
He is a distinguished physician and gastroenterologist. His medical qualifications include:
- MD in Medicine from Delhi
- DM in Gastroenterology from AIIMS, New Delhi
- Training and professional experience in military medicine and healthcare administration
His extensive medical and military experience gives him a broad understanding of both clinical healthcare and the specialised requirements of military medical services.
Nearly Four Decades of Clinical, Academic and Operational Experience
During his long career, Air Marshal Thareja has held a wide range of clinical, academic, operational and administrative appointments.
His important assignments have included:
- Commandant, 167 Military Hospital
- Brigadier In-Charge Administration and Commander Troops, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt
- Commandant, Command Hospital (Central Command)
- Director and Commandant, AFMC Pune
- DGMS (Air)
These assignments provided experience in hospital administration, military medical operations, medical education, research and healthcare delivery.
Role During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During his tenure at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, Air Marshal Thareja was involved in managing complex healthcare and administrative challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic placed unprecedented demands on healthcare systems, including military hospitals. His experience during this period adds to his understanding of healthcare preparedness and crisis management.
Contribution to Military Medical Education and Research
As Director and Commandant of AFMC Pune, Air Marshal Thareja spearheaded initiatives aimed at strengthening medical education and research.
AFMC plays an important role in developing medical professionals for the Armed Forces, and strengthening education and research is an important component of maintaining a modern military healthcare system.
Contribution to Gaganyaan Mission
As DGMS (Air), Air Marshal Thareja gave significant thrust to the Gaganyaan Mission, including initiatives related to analogue experiments, astronaut selection and training.
His association with such programmes highlights the expanding role of military medical expertise in areas involving aerospace medicine, human performance and specialised medical preparedness.
International Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
Air Marshal Thareja also played a role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiatives.
Under his stewardship, BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes were gifted to the Maldives and were also used as part of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts involving countries including Jamaica, Cuba, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
These initiatives demonstrate the role of military medical capabilities beyond conventional defence healthcare.
Key Priorities as DGAFMS
As the new DGAFMS, Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja will oversee several important areas of Armed Forces healthcare.
1. Operational Medical Preparedness
Strengthening medical preparedness for military operations will remain an important priority. This includes ensuring that the Armed Forces have appropriate medical support and capabilities for diverse operational environments.
2. Jointness in Military Medical Services
Greater jointness among the medical services is another important focus area. Coordinated medical capabilities can help improve efficiency and healthcare support across the Armed Forces.
3. Modernisation of Military Healthcare
Modernising healthcare infrastructure, equipment, systems and processes will be important for meeting the changing requirements of military personnel.
4. Digital Health
Digital healthcare is increasingly becoming an important component of modern healthcare delivery.
The AFMS is expected to continue exploring digital health solutions that can improve accessibility, efficiency, medical records management and healthcare delivery.
5. Medical Research and Innovation
Research and innovation will remain central to developing new medical capabilities and addressing the unique healthcare challenges associated with military service.
6. Quality Healthcare for Veterans and Dependents
One of the key areas highlighted in the official announcement is the delivery of high-quality healthcare to serving personnel, veterans and their dependents.
This is particularly relevant for the large community of retired Armed Forces personnel and their families who depend on the military healthcare ecosystem and associated facilities.
What the Appointment Means for Veterans
The DGAFMS has an important role in the broader military healthcare system. For veterans and their dependents, continued attention to quality healthcare, digital health, modernisation and medical research can contribute to improved healthcare delivery.
The focus on veterans is also significant in the context of the wider healthcare ecosystem that includes military hospitals, ECHS and other defence medical facilities.
However, individual ECHS policies, entitlements and beneficiary procedures continue to be governed by the applicable ECHS rules, orders and official instructions.
A New Phase for Armed Forces Medical Services
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja takes charge as DGAFMS with extensive experience spanning medicine, military healthcare administration, medical education, research, operational preparedness and humanitarian assistance.
His appointment comes at a time when military healthcare is undergoing significant transformation, with technology, digital health, modernisation and research becoming increasingly important.
The focus on operational readiness, jointness, modernisation, digital health and quality healthcare for serving personnel, veterans and dependents is expected to remain central to the future development of the Armed Forces Medical Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new DGAFMS in 2026?
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja assumed charge as the 47th Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) on September 1, 2026.
What is DGAFMS?
DGAFMS stands for Director General Armed Forces Medical Services. The DGAFMS oversees comprehensive medical support for the Defence Forces.
When did Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja assume charge as DGAFMS?
He assumed the appointment of DGAFMS on September 1, 2026.
Where did Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja study medicine?
He is an alumnus of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. He also completed his MD in Medicine from Delhi and DM in Gastroenterology from AIIMS, New Delhi.
What are the major priorities of the new DGAFMS?
Major areas include operational medical preparedness, jointness, modernisation, digital health, medical research and innovation, human-resource development and quality healthcare for serving personnel, veterans and their dependents.
Did Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja pay homage at the National War Memorial?
Yes. Before taking over as DGAFMS, he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and paid homage to the fallen heroes.
Official Source
The information in this article is based on the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence release issued on September 1, 2026.
Read the official PIB release – Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja takes over as DGAFMS