Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, recently visited a Surgical Eye Camp held at the Military Hospital in Bhuj. The camp was organized in collaboration with an expert team of ophthalmologists and medical personnel from the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in New Delhi.
Leading the specialized medical team was Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, a distinguished military surgeon with numerous accolades, including the PVSM, AVSM, SM, and VSM. With over one lakh successful surgical procedures to his credit, Brigadier Mishra’s leadership ensured the execution of advanced ophthalmic interventions with remarkable professionalism and precision.
This initiative is part of the Indian Army’s ongoing medical outreach efforts in border and remote areas of the country. Over a span of just three days, the camp successfully facilitated advanced cataract surgeries for more than 200 veterans, their dependents, and local residents from the Kutch district. In addition, over 2,500 patients underwent comprehensive free ophthalmic screenings that allowed for early diagnosis and timely treatment of various eye-related issues.
The initiative highlights the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of veterans and community healthcare, particularly in strategically significant and geographically isolated regions. By providing state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical facilities in these areas, the Army significantly alleviated the challenges of long-distance travel and limited medical infrastructure faced by local populations.
During his visit, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth interacted with veterans and patients who benefited from the camp, commending the medical teams for their dedication, competence, and compassion. He noted that such focused medical initiatives are crucial in enhancing the quality of life for both veterans and the local community. Furthermore, he emphasized that these efforts strengthen the trust and cooperation between the Army and the communities living in border areas. The Army Commander assured that the Indian Army would continue to conduct similar welfare-oriented medical programs across border regions in the future.
Embodying the ethos of “Service Before Self,” the Indian Army reaffirms its dedication to supporting both veterans and civilian populations, reinforcing its strong connection with the people while advancing inclusive development and humanitarian outreach in the nation’s frontier areas.
