Lt Gen Sandeep Thareja takes charge as Director of AFMC Pune

Pune: In a significant achievement, Lieutenant General Sandeep Thareja has officially assumed the prestigious role of Director and Commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, marking another milestone in his distinguished career spanning nearly four decades. 

Dr Thareja took charge of the new position on Thursday after his previous position as Senior Consultant (Medicine) at the Office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, New Delhi. 

DGAFMS- the apex organisation of medical services of Armed forces on Thursday congratulated Lt Gen Sandeep Thareja for his achievement. Sharing on 'X', the official page of DGAFMS wrote "Lt Gen Daljit Singh, DGAFMS, and all ranks of the AFMS congratulate Lt Gen Sandeep Thareja on assuming the appointment of Director & Commandant at the Armed Forces Medica College, Pune, one of India's top medical colleges. 

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An alumnus of the same institute and an acclaimed Gastroenterologist, he has served in key administrative, academic, and clinical roles during an illustrious career spanning over 37 years in the AFMS."

As per Free Press Journal, Lt Gen Thareja's journey in the Indian Army began in 1986. He completed his MD in Medicine from Army Hospital (R&R), New Delhi (1997), and a DM in Gastroenterology from AIIMS, New Delhi (2005), where he was honoured as the best DM student. Further enhancing his credentials, he earned an M Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies from the National Defence College, New Delhi, in 2018.

During his previous tenure as the senior consultant, he was instrumental in influencing important healthcare policies such as the Armed Forces Cancer Registry, Guide to Medical Officers, Disability Pension Board, Agniveer Medical Policy, Common Tri-service Medical Classification for Disabilities, Biosensors, Performance Audit of Military Hospitals, and Genomic Sequencing in the Armed Forces.

Moreover, he also held numerous distinguished academic, clinical, and administrative roles. Notable positions include Medical Specialist at the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Senior Advisor (Medicine) & Gastroenterology at various military hospitals, and Commandant of the Command Hospital (Central Command).

Lt Gen Thareja's exceptional service has earned him numerous accolades, including the Vishisht Seva Medal (2011 and 2024) and the Sena Medal (2022). These awards reflect his dedication, leadership, and contributions to Military Medicine.

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