Air Marshal Thareja Appointed 47th DGAFMS, To Lead Military Healthcare
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja assumed charge as the 47th Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) on September 1, 2026, taking responsibility for overseeing comprehensive medical support for India’s Defence Forces.
His appointment comes as the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) continues to focus on strengthening operational medical preparedness, jointness, modernisation and digital healthcare. Medical research, innovation, human-resource development and quality healthcare for serving personnel, veterans and their dependants are also expected to remain key areas of focus under his leadership.
An alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, Thareja was commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1986. A physician and gastroenterologist, he holds an MD in Medicine from Delhi and a DM in Gastroenterology from AIIMS, New Delhi.
During a career spanning nearly four decades, Thareja has held several clinical, academic, operational and administrative positions. His assignments have included Commandant of 167 Military Hospital, Brigadier In-Charge Administration and Commander Troops at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, and Commandant of Command Hospital (Central Command).
His tenure at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he was involved in managing complex healthcare and administrative challenges. At Command Hospital, Lucknow, he oversaw the preparation of the Detailed Project Report for a new Command Hospital, completed in a record timeframe.
As Director and Commandant of AFMC Pune, Thareja led initiatives aimed at strengthening medical education and research. Later, as DGMS (Air), he played a significant role in the Gaganyaan mission, including efforts related to astronaut selection and training.
He also oversaw initiatives involving BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) medical cubes, which were provided to the Maldives and deployed as part of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in several countries. Before assuming charge as DGAFMS, Air Marshal Thareja paid tribute to fallen personnel by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.