Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Defence Secretary of Ministry of Defence, along with Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, visited the Surgical Eye Camp at Military Hospital Bhuj, organised in collaboration with Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi.
Conducted under the aegis of Southern Command, the three-day camp held from 03 to 05 February 2026 successfully restored vision to over 200 veterans, their dependents, and civilians from the Kutch region. The initiative stands out as a major medical outreach effort in a geographically remote and strategically important border area.
During the visit, the Defence Secretary interacted with patients in the post-operative wards, enquired about their recovery and well-being, and personally distributed post-operative medicines and spectacles to several beneficiaries. In recognition of exemplary professional service, he felicitated Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, PVSM, AVSM, SM**, VSM**, Consultant and Head of Department (Ophthalmology), along with the distinguished surgical eye team from Army Hospital (R&R), for their exceptional dedication and delivery of high-quality ophthalmic care under challenging field conditions.
The Defence Secretary lauded the initiative as a commendable example of the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to veterans’ welfare and effective military–civil cooperation. He highlighted the tangible impact of such outreach programmes in improving quality of life and access to specialised healthcare for populations residing in remote and border regions.
The outreach programme catered to nearly 3,000 people across the Kutch district, including beneficiaries from over 120 villages of Bhuj Taluka. Remote border villages such as Lakhpat, Narayan Sarovar, and Dayapar were among those covered. Advanced cataract and corrective procedures were performed using state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment and premium intraocular lenses, strictly adhering to the highest clinical and patient safety standards.
By delivering specialised corrective eye care to communities in far-flung and strategically vital areas, the Indian Army continues to uphold its service-first ethos—bridging critical healthcare gaps, strengthening trust with local populations, and reaffirming its enduring commitment to community welfare and national service.
