Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair has made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as Director General Medical Services (Army) as of August 1, 2024. This milestone follows her previous role as the first female DG Hospital Services (Armed Forces) after being promoted to Air Marshal.

A distinguished graduate of the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, Lt Gen Nair was commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1985. Her educational background includes a Post Graduate degree in Family Medicine, Diplomas in Maternal & Child Health and Health Care Management, and specialized training in Medical Informatics at AIIMS, New Delhi. Additionally, she has received training in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Warfare from the Israeli Defence Forces and Military Medical Ethics from the Swiss Armed Forces.

Lt Gen Nair has also served as the first female Principal Medical Officer for both the Western Air Command and Training Command of the Indian Air Force. Her contributions to medical education were recognized when she was nominated as an expert member of the Dr. Kasturirangan Committee, which contributed to the National Education Policy. Her exemplary service has been acknowledged with several commendations, including the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command Commendation, Chief of the Air Staff Commendation, and the Vishisht Seva Medal from the President of India.