Air Marshal Sadhna S Nair has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to attain the position of Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces) with the rank of Air Marshal. Her appointment to this role commenced on October 23, 2023, and it is significant as it marks the first time a woman has held this position while being promoted to the rank of Air Marshal. Before her distinguished appointment, Air Marshal Sadhna S Nair was serving as the Principal Medical Officer (PMO) at HQ Training Command (Air Force) located in Bangalore.
Air Marshal Sadhna S Nair is an alumna of the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune. She began her career when she was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in December 1985 and has since had an illustrious and dedicated service. She holds a postgraduate degree in Family Medicine and has successfully completed a two-year training program in Medical Informatics at AIIMS, New Delhi. Additionally, she has received specialized training in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces and has undergone training in Military Medical Ethics in Switzerland.
Air Marshal Sadhna S Nair’s achievements extend beyond her recent appointment. Notably, she is the first and only woman to have held the position of Principal Medical Officer in Western Air Command and Training Command. Her exceptional service has earned her awards and commendations, including the AOC-in-C (WAC) and CAS Commendations. She has also been honored with the Vishisht Seva Medal, bestowed upon her by the President of India.
It is important to recognize that Air Marshal Sadhna S Nair comes from a family with a rich legacy of service in the Indian Air Force, spanning three generations over the past seven decades. Her extraordinary accomplishments and contributions serve as a remarkable source of inspiration, particularly for women, in the fields of defense and medical services.
