In a historic appointment, Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair assumed the office of Director General Medical Services (Army) on August 1, 2024, becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position. This milestone follows her earlier groundbreaking achievement as the first woman to serve as DG Hospital Services (Armed Forces) upon her promotion to Air Marshal.
Lt Gen Nair’s illustrious career began with her graduation from the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, where she distinguished herself academically before being commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1985. Her extensive qualifications include a Post Graduate degree in Family Medicine, Diplomas in Maternal & Child Health and Health Care Management, and specialized training in Medical Informatics from AIIMS, New Delhi.
Throughout her career, Lt Gen Nair has consistently broken new ground. She was the first woman to serve as Principal Medical Officer for both the Western Air Command and Training Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Her expertise extends beyond national borders, having trained in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces and in Military Medical Ethics with the Swiss Armed Forces in Spiez. Lt Gen Nair’s influence reaches into policy-making as well. She was nominated as an expert member of the Dr. Kasturirangan Committee, contributing to the medical education component of the National Education Policy. Her exceptional service has earned her numerous accolades, including commendations from the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, and the Chief of the Air Staff. Additionally, she was honored with the Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India. This appointment not only recognizes Lt Gen Nair’s remarkable career but also marks a significant step forward in gender equality within the upper echelons of the Indian Armed Forces. As she takes on this new role, Lt Gen Nair’s leadership is poised to bring fresh perspectives and continued excellence to the medical services of the Indian Army. Her journey from a distinguished graduate to the highest medical post in the Army serves as an inspiration to aspiring medical professionals and women in the armed forces alike, highlighting the evolving landscape of leadership in India’s military establishment.
