Bhuj, 4 February (IANS). More than 200 people, including ex-servicemen, their families and residents of remote areas of Kutch district, regained their eyesight after a three-day surgical eye camp organized by the Indian Army at the Military Hospital in Bhuj, Gujarat.
The initiative, conducted in collaboration with a specialized ophthalmology team from the Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi, also included complete eye examinations of more than 2,500 patients.
Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, visited the camp and interacted with the beneficiaries and medical personnel.
“Such initiatives significantly improve the quality of life of both ex-servicemen and local residents,” he said, and praised the medical teams for their professionalism and dedication.
The specialist surgical team is led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Consultant and Head of Department (Ophthalmology), who has more than 1 lakh successful surgical procedures to his credit.
Advanced cataract surgeries conducted during the camp restored vision to patients in remote villages of Kutch, while comprehensive eye check-up helped in early detection and timely treatment of other eye-related diseases.
Organized as part of the Army’s ongoing outreach program in the border areas, the camp reflects the Army’s commitment towards the welfare of ex-servicemen and community healthcare in strategically sensitive areas.
By providing advanced diagnostic and surgical services to remote populations, the Army has helped overcome challenges related to distance and limited local medical infrastructure.
Lieutenant General Seth stressed the importance of such programs in building stronger ties with the border communities. “The Indian Army will continue to undertake focused medical and welfare initiatives to support both ex-servicemen and civilians, thereby strengthening the lasting bond with the people of these regions,” he said.
Rooted in the ethos of ‘Service First’, the Indian Army’s efforts go beyond defense duties, aimed at promoting inclusive development and accessible healthcare in the border districts.
Kutch Surgical Eye Camp is an example of this commitment, bringing expert medical care to populations that traditionally face barriers to access quality health services.
–IANS
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