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Know About Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair, First woman DG of Medical Services (Army)

Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair has made history as the first woman to be appointed Director General Medical Services (Army) on August 1, 2024. Read here in detail.
authorImageNigam Sharma9 Aug, 2024
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Know About Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair, First woman DG of Medical Services (Army)

Know About Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair, First woman DG of Medical Services (Army): Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair has made history by becoming the first woman to assume the role of Director General Medical Services (Army) as of August 1, 2024. Her remarkable career in the Indian Armed Forces is filled with numerous firsts and significant contributions to military medical services. This article looks into her inspiring journey and her groundbreaking achievements.

First woman DG of Medical Services (Army)

Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair's appointment as the Director General Medical Services (Army) is a landmark moment for the Indian Armed Forces, as she is the first woman to ever hold this prestigious position. Prior to this, she was the first woman to serve as Director General of Hospital Services (Armed Forces), marking her promotion to the rank of Air Marshal.
  • First Woman DG of Medical Services (Army) : Appointed on August 1, 2024.
  • First Woman DG of Hospital Services (Armed Forces) : Upon her promotion to Air Marshal.

Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena: Academic and Professional Background

Lt Gen Nair's journey to this esteemed position began with her academic achievements at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, where she graduated with distinction. Commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1985, her career has been marked by continuous learning and professional development.
  • Graduated from Armed Forces Medical College, Pune : Launched her career in the Army Medical Corps in December 1985.
  • Post Graduate Degree in Family Medicine : Furthered her medical expertise.
  • Diplomas in Maternal & Child Health and Health Care Management : Specialized in critical areas of healthcare.
  • Advanced Training in Medical Informatics : Completed a two-year program at AIIMS, New Delhi.

Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena: International Training and Expertise

Lt Gen Nair has also gained invaluable international experience, adding to her expertise in military medicine. She has undergone specialized training in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces, and in Military Medical Ethics with the Swiss Armed Forces in Spiez.
  • Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Warfare : Trained with the Israeli Defence Forces.
  • Military Medical Ethics : Completed training with the Swiss Armed Forces in Spiez.

Leadership Roles of Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena in the Indian Air Force

Before her appointment as DG of Medical Services (Army), Lt Gen Nair broke new ground in the Indian Air Force by becoming the first woman Principal Medical Officer of both the Western Air Command and the Training Command.
  • First Woman Principal Medical Officer of Western Air Command : Trailblazing role in the Indian Air Force.
  • First Woman Principal Medical Officer of Training Command : Continued to pave the way for women in the military.

Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena's Contribution to National Education Policy

In addition to her military roles, Lt Gen Nair was nominated as an expert member of the Dr. Kasturirangan Committee, where she contributed to drafting the medical education component of the National Education Policy.
  • Expert Member of Dr. Kasturirangan Committee : Played a key role in shaping medical education in India.

Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Recognitions and Awards

Throughout her distinguished career, Lt Gen Nair has received numerous accolades, including commendations from the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, and the Chief of the Air Staff. She has also been awarded the prestigious Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India.
  • Vishisht Seva Medal : Awarded by the President of India.
  • Commendations from Senior Officers : Recognized by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief and Chief of the Air Staff.
Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair's achievements are not just personal milestones but are also significant steps towards promoting gender equality in the Indian Armed Forces. Her pioneering career serves as an inspiration for young women aspiring to take on leadership roles in the military.
  • Inspiration for Future Generations : Paving the way for more women leaders in the military.
  • Role Model for Aspiring Women Officers : Encouraging gender equality in the armed forces.
Lt Gen Nair is effectively only the second woman officer who has served throughout in the Indian Air Force to be promoted to the rank of Air Marshal, following in the footsteps of Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay (Retd). Her journey is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and the breaking of barriers within the Indian Armed Forces.

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Know About Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair, First woman DG of Medical Services (Army) FAQs

Q1: Who is Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair?

A1: Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair is the first woman to be appointed as the Director General Medical Services (Army) in the Indian Armed Forces.

Q2: What is significant about the appointment of Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair??

A2: Her appointment marks the first time a woman has held the prestigious position of Director General Medical Services (Army).

Q3: What are notable qualifications of Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair?

A3: She holds a Post Graduate degree in Family Medicine, Diplomas in Maternal & Child Health and Health Care Management, and has advanced training in Medical Informatics from AIIMS, New Delhi.

Q4: Has she received any awards?

A4: Yes, Lt Gen Nair has been recognized with multiple commendations, including the Vishisht Seva Medal awarded by the President of India.

Q5: What other leadership roles has she held?

A5: She was the first woman to serve as Director General of Hospital Services (Armed Forces) and Principal Medical Officer of both Western Air Command and Training Command in the Indian Air Force.
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