Captain Prashanth V Honored by DGAFMS for Top Performance in Australia and Lifesaving Heroism

Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin lauds Indian military doctor for acing international medical course and rescuing a civilian.

Capt Prashanth V of the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services was felicitated by Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), for his exceptional achievements during the prestigious Health Officers Basic Course held in Victoria, Australia, from April 18 to May 3, 2025. Capt Prashanth emerged as the top performer in the program, securing a perfect 100% score across all modules of the rigorous international training.

The course, designed to enhance the operational readiness and clinical acumen of military health professionals, covers advanced medical care, emergency response, leadership, and cross-agency coordination. Conducted in collaboration with institutions such as the Victoria Police Academy, it represents a key step in India’s broader push to integrate global best practices into its military healthcare systems.

In addition to his academic distinction, Capt Prashanth was commended for his courageous act during a public event in Australia, where he successfully resuscitated an elderly woman who had collapsed. His swift response, under pressure and outside a clinical setting, demonstrated the real-world value of the training and his dedication to the service of humanity beyond the battlefield.

Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, who took charge as DGAFMS in late 2024, praised Capt Prashanth as a role model for military medical professionals. “His stellar performance and life-saving intervention highlight the calibre of our medical officers and the importance of international collaboration in skill development,” she said at the award ceremony, which was attended by senior representatives from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Integrated Defence Staff.

This recognition not only marks a personal milestone for Capt Prashanth but also reinforces the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to excellence, compassion, and global engagement in medical preparedness and humanitarian response.