Air Marshal Dr Sadhna Saxena Nair makes history, becomes first woman Director General Hospital Services-Armed Forces
She holds a Post Graduate degree in Family Medicine and has undergone a two-year training program in Medical Informatics at AIIMS, New Delhi. She was trained in CBRN Warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces and in Military Medical Ethics in Switzerland.
Bengaluru: In a momentous achievement within the Indian Armed Forces, Air Marshal Sadhna S Nair has been appointed as the Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces) effective from October 23, 2023. With this appointment, she has created history by becoming the first female officer to ascend to this prestigious position, underscoring her dedication and exceptional service in the medical wing of the armed forces.
A distinguished alumna of the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Air Marshal Nair was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in December 1985. Over the years, she has not only exhibited clinical excellence but has also continuously upgraded her skills to remain at the forefront of military medical innovation. Holding a postgraduate degree in Family Medicine, she also has the unique distinction of completing a two-year training program in Medical Informatics at the renowned AIIMS, New Delhi. Her global training stints include a specialized course in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) Warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces and an insightful program on Military Medical Ethics in Switzerland.
Before her latest appointment, she served as the Principal Medical Officer (PMO) at HQ Training Command (Air Force) in Bengaluru. Additionally, her achievements shine as she stands as the first and sole female Principal Medical Officer of both the Western Air Command and Training Command.
The legacy of service that Air Marshal Nair carries is not just personal but familial. With three generations of her lineage having served the Indian Air Force across seven decades, her commitment to the nation runs deep. Recognizing her unwavering dedication and exemplary service, she has been decorated with prestigious awards such as the AOC-in-C (WAC) and CAS Commendations, and the distinguished Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India.
