Pune: Lieutenant General Sandeep Thareja, SM, VSM**, took on the prestigious role of Director & Commandant at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) on Thursday (July 11).
An accomplished alumnus of AFMC, Pune, Lt Gen Thareja's distinguished career in the Indian Army began with his commission in 1986.
Lt Gen Thareja holds an MD in Medicine from Army Hospital (R&R), New Delhi (1997), and a DM in Gastroenterology from AIIMS, New Delhi (2005), where he was recognized as the best DM student. He furthered his expertise with an M.Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies from the National Defence College, New Delhi, in 2018.
Over his 37-year tenure, he has held several prominent academic, clinical, and administrative positions. These include Medical Specialist at the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Senior Advisor (Medicine) & Gastroenterology at multiple military hospitals, and Commandant of the Command Hospital (Central Command).
His leadership was particularly noteworthy during his term as Brigadier IC Adm and Cdr Troops at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, where he provided exceptional healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he was pivotal in swiftly preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a new Command Hospital.
Prior to his current role, General Thareja was the Senior Consultant (Medicine) at the Office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, New Delhi.
In this capacity, he significantly influenced key 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.
A dedicated educator and mentor, General Thareja has guided numerous postgraduate and super-specialty students and has authored over 50 scientific publications in esteemed international and national medical journals.
In recognition of his outstanding service, General Thareja has received the 'Vishisht Seva Medal' twice, in 2011 and 2024, and the 'Sena Medal' in 2022.
The Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, extends a warm welcome to Lieutenant General Sandeep Thareja in his new leadership role and anticipates continued excellence in medical education and healthcare services under his guidance.
Lieutenant General Daljit Singh, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), congratulated Lieutenant General Sandeep Thareja on his new appointment and expressed confidence that AFMC, Pune, will achieve new heights under his capable leadership.