New Delhi, Mar 24 (UNI) The Indian Army conducted a state-of-the-art eye surgical camp at 158 Base Hospital, Bagdogra, West Bengal, and performed more than 350 cataract operations.
The camp was organised from March 20 to 24, providing advanced medical care to ex-servicemen, a Defence Ministry statement said.
A total of 1,752 ex-servicemen and their dependents were screened for various ophthalmic ailments, including cataract.
An expert medical team from Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi; Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt and Command Hospital, Lucknow, cumulatively conducted more than 350 cataract surgeries over five days.
Besides, over 500 high-standard glasses were distributed free of cost. The use of top-tier equipment and high-quality lenses ensured that patients received the best possible care, reinforcing the Ministry of Defence’s emphasis on quality healthcare under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The biggest highlight of the camp was the ophthalmic patients from Nepal. A total of 17 ex-servicemen including their dependents, were screened for ophthalmic ailments, and some of them were subjected to cataract surgeries free of cost with high-quality lenses.
This initiative was spearheaded by Brig Sanjay Kumar Mishra, an ophthalmic surgeon and the head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi.
Brig SK Mishra has been credited with performing over one lakh successful cataract, vitreoretinal, refractive and glaucoma surgeries.
He stated that the camp had brought world-class treatment to the doorsteps of veterans who have devoted their lives to the nation in the foothills of the Himalayas, spanning a vast region of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, and even Nepal. It was ensured that the veterans receive the care they deserve without the need to travel, he added.
This initiative highlighted the Indian Army’s commitment to the well-being of its veterans and their families. It is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the state and military leadership, especially the Trishakti Corps, to enhance healthcare access for the bravehearts who have served the nation.
