Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja appointed next Director General Armed Forces Medical Services
On 31 July 2026 the government appointed Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja as the next DGAFMS; he takes over on 31 August 2026 when Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin retires.
Summary
The government appointed Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, currently Director General Medical Services (Air), as the next Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). He will assume the post on the retirement of the incumbent, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, on 31 August 2026. An AFMC Pune alumnus commissioned in December 1986 and a gastroenterologist from AIIMS New Delhi, he led AFMS medical preparedness for the Gaganyaan mission and the operationalisation of the BHISHM Cube.
Key facts
- Post
- Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS)
- Appointee
- Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, SM, VSM & Bar
- Present post
- DG Medical Services (Air)
- Takes over
- 31 August 2026
- Predecessor
- Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin
- Commissioned
- December 1986
- Known for
- Gaganyaan medical preparedness; BHISHM Cube
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In July 2026 Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja was appointed to which post?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Director General Armed Forces Medical Services
The government appointed Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja as the next Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja will take over as DGAFMS on the retirement of which officer on 31 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin
He will assume the appointment upon the retirement of the incumbent DGAFMS, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, on 31 August 2026.