Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair: Breaking Barriers in Military Medicine

Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair has been appointed as the first woman Director General Medical Services (Army), marking a historical achievement in the Indian military. With extensive qualifications and a distinguished career, she has previously held multiple pioneering positions and has been recognized for her meritorious service.

Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair set a historical milestone on Thursday as she became the first woman to be appointed Director General of Medical Services (Army).

Graduating with distinction from the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Lt Gen Nair entered the Army Medical Corps in December 1985. Her academic and professional journey has been notable, according to a statement from the defence ministry.

Prior to her groundbreaking appointment, she was the first woman to hold the position of DG Hospital Services (Armed Forces) following her promotion to Air Marshal. Lt Gen Nair holds multiple qualifications, including a post-graduate degree in family medicine, diplomas in maternal and child health, healthcare management, and advanced training in medical informatics from AIIMS, New Delhi.

Her training extends to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear warfare in collaboration with the Israeli Defence Forces, and medical ethics with the Swiss Armed Forces. Additionally, she has served as the first woman Principal Medical Officer of both the Western Air Command and the Training Command of the Indian Air Force.

Lt Gen Nair contributed to the National Education Policy as an expert member of Dr Kasturirangan Committee and has been honored with commendations from the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, and Chief of the Air Staff, as well as the Vishisht Seva Medal from the President for her exceptional service.

(With inputs from agencies.)