Dr. Payal Chhabra: First Woman Surgeon in Para Special Forces

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Dr. Payal Chhabra, a former surgeon in the Indian ArmyDr. Payal Chhabra, has made history by becoming the first woman surgeon to join the prestigious Para Special Forces. She received the Maroon Beret during a ceremony held at the Paratroopers Training School in Agra, a remarkable achievement that has filled her family with pride.

Hailing from Haryana’s Jind district, Major Dr. Payal Chhabra pursued her MBBS and later completed her MS in Surgery. Her journey began in 2021 when she served as a captain at Ambala’s Army Hospital. Subsequently, after her educational pursuits, she assumed the role of a senior resident doctor in the surgery department at Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College in Karnal, Haryana.

Currently, Dr. Chhabra serves as a specialist surgeon at the Army Hospital in Ladakh. Her dedication also led her to a posting at the army hospital in Khardungla Pass, one of the world’s highest hospitals.

Dr. Chhabra emphasized the challenges she faced during her rigorous training at Agra’s Air Force Training School. Joining the Paramilitary Force demanded both physical and mental fitness. She shared her early waking hours, typically between 3 and 4 a.m., during training. Her commando training encompassed arduous activities, including a 40-kilometer run while carrying weights ranging from 20 to 65 kg.

The family of Dr. Payal Chhabra praised her unwavering dedication and hard work. Despite receiving offers from prominent multi-specialty hospitals, she chose to serve her nation, embodying the spirit of selfless service.


Re-reported from the article originally published in News18