Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, visited the Surgical Eye Camp organised at the Military Hospital Bhuj, which was conducted in collaboration with a highly specialised team of ophthalmologists and medical staff from the Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi.
The specialist medical team was led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, PVSM, AVSM, SM*, VSM*, Consultant and Head of Department (Ophthalmology), a nationally recognised military surgeon credited with more than one lakh successful surgical procedures. Under his leadership, the team conducted advanced ophthalmic interventions with exceptional professionalism and precision.
Organised as part of the Indian Army’s continuing medical outreach in border and remote areas, the camp successfully facilitated advanced cataract surgeries that restored vision to over 200 veterans, dependents, and members of the local population from the remote regions of the Kutch district within a span of just three days. In addition, more than 2,500 patients underwent free and comprehensive ophthalmic screening, enabling early diagnosis and timely treatment of a wide range of eye-related ailments.
The initiative stands as a testament to the Indian Army’s sustained commitment to veterans’ welfare and community healthcare, particularly in geographically remote and strategically significant regions. By bringing state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical facilities closer to border populations, the Army significantly enhanced access to quality healthcare while reducing the hardships associated with long travel distances and limited medical infrastructure.
During his visit, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth interacted with veterans and patients who benefited from the camp and commended the medical teams for their dedication, competence, and compassion. He observed that such focused medical initiatives play a vital role in improving the quality of life of veterans and local residents, while also strengthening trust and cooperation between the Army and frontier communities. The Army Commander reaffirmed that the Indian Army will continue to undertake similar welfare-oriented medical programmes across border regions.
Rooted in the enduring ethos of “Service Before Self,” the Indian Army remains steadfast in supporting veterans and civilian populations alike, reinforcing its deep bond with the people and contributing to inclusive development and humanitarian outreach in frontier areas of the nation.
