Lt. Gen. Sandeep Thareja Appointed as Director and Commandant of AFMCLt. Gen. Sandeep Thareja Appointed as Director and Commandant of AFMC Lieutenant General Sandeep Thareja has been appointed as the director and commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune. Thareja is an alumnus of AFMC and has an extensive career in the Indian Army. After graduating from AFMC in 1986, Thareja earned an MD in Medicine from the Army Hospital in New Delhi in 1997. He later pursued a DM in Gastroenterology from AIIMS, where he was recognized as the top student. To complement his clinical qualifications, he obtained an M Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies from the National Defence College in 2018. Throughout his 37-year career, Thareja has held significant academic, clinical, and administrative roles. He served as a Medical Specialist for the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, Senior Advisor for Medicine and Gastroenterology at various military hospitals, and Commandant of the Command Hospital in Lucknow. His administrative capabilities were highlighted during his tenure as Brigadier IC Adm and Cdr Troops at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, where he led exceptional healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also played a key role in the preparation of the Detailed Project Report for a new Command Hospital. Prior to his current appointment, General Thareja was Senior Consultant (Medicine) at the Office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services in New Delhi. He contributed extensively to the development of key healthcare policies, including the Armed Forces Cancer Registry, Guide to Medical Officers, Disability Pension Board, Agniveer Medical Policy, Performance Audit of Military Hospitals, and Genomic Sequencing in the Armed Forces. In recognition of his distinguished service, General Thareja has been awarded the ‘Vishisht Seva Medal’ twice, in 2011 and 2024, and the ‘Sena Medal’ in 2022.
Lieutenant General Sandeep Thareja was on Thursday appointed director and commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune.
An alumnus of AFMC, Lt Gen Thareja began his exemplary career in the Indian Army with his commission in 1986. He 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 honoured as the best DM student. To further enhance his qualifications, he obtained an M Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies from the National Defence College, New Delhi in 2018.
During his 37-year career, he has held numerous distinguished academic, clinical and administrative positions. Notable positions include Medical Specialist at the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Senior Advisor (Medicine) & Gastroenterology at various military hospitals and Commandant of the Command Hospital (Central Command). His administrative prowess was particularly evident during his tenure as Brigadier IC Adm and Cdr Troops at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt where he led exceptional healthcare services during the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, he played a pivotal role in preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a new Command Hospital.
Prior to his current appointment, General Thareja was Senior Consultant (Medicine) at the Office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, New Delhi. There, he played a pivotal role in shaping key healthcare policies including 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.
In recognition of his dedication and exceptional services, General Thareja was awarded the ‘Vishisht Seva Medal’ twice, in 2011 and 2024, and the ‘Sena Medal’ in 2022.
Published: Thursday, July 11, 2024, 4:23 PM IST
