Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai Makes History as First Woman Navy Medical Services Director

New Delhi- Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai, SM, VSM assumed the position of Director General Medical Services (Navy) today, October 14, 2024. She is the first woman officer to hold this prestigious role.

Surgeon Vice Admiral Sahai joined the Army Medical Corps on December 30, 1986. She is an alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune and holds specialized degrees in Pathology and Oncopathology from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

Her extensive career boasts several notable achievements. She served as Professor and Head of the Department of Laboratory Sciences at the Army Hospital Research and Referral Centre (AHRR) and the Base Hospital Delhi Cantt (BHDC). She also held the position of Professor in the Department of Pathology at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune.

Prior to her current appointment, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sahai served as the first woman Commandant of the Army Medical Corps Centre & College and Officer in Charge of Records. She also holds the distinction of being the first woman officer elected as Colonel Commandant of the Army Medical Corps.

Surgeon Vice Admiral Sahai has a keen interest in medical education. In 2013-14, she received the prestigious Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) Fellowship in Philadelphia, USA, for her work in advancing medical education.

Her exemplary service has been recognized with several awards, including the Sena Medal in 2024 and the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2018. She has also received commendations from the Chief of the Army Staff in 2008 and 2012, as well as the GOC-in-C (WC) in 2010.