Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja Named Next DG Armed Forces Medical Services

4 August 2026National

Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja has been appointed the next Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), succeeding Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin on her retirement on 31 August 2026. He led the medical preparation for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and is a twice recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal and of the Sena Medal.

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DGAFMS is the senior-most medical officer of the armed forces, reports to Ministry of Defence | Arti Sarin was the first woman to head DGAFMS | Gaganyaan is ISRO crewed spaceflight programme

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Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja will be the next DG Armed Forces Medical Services, succeeding Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin on 31 Aug 2026; he led medical prep for the Gaganyaan mission.

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