Gujrat, Feb 5:
In a major boost to border area healthcare, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh visited the Military Hospital in Bhuj today to mark the successful conclusion of a high-impact surgical eye camp.
The three-day initiative, which ran from February 3 to February 5, 2026, has been hailed as a landmark in military-civilian cooperation, bringing life-changing medical interventions to the remote Kutch region.
Key Highlights of the Camp
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Total Beneficiaries: Over 200 successful surgeries performed.
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Reach: Nearly 3,000 people screened across 120 villages in Bhuj Taluka.
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Focus Areas: Remote border settlements including Lakhpat, Narayan Sarovar, and Dayapar.
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Technology: State-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment and premium intraocular lenses.
“A Commendable Example of Welfare”
Accompanying the Defence Secretary was Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, GOC-in-C, Southern Command. During his visit, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh took time to walk through the post-operative wards, interacting directly with veterans and local civilians who regained their sight.
“This initiative is a commendable example of the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to veterans’ welfare and the spirit of ‘Military-Civil’ cooperation,” the Defence Secretary stated while distributing medicines and spectacles to patients.
Elite Medical Team Recognized
The surgeries were conducted by a specialized team from the Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi. To honor the high-quality care delivered under field conditions, the Defence Secretary felicitated:
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Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra (Consultant and HOD, Ophthalmology)
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The specialized surgical team from Army Hospital (R&R)
Bridging the Gap in Remote Borders
The camp specifically targeted the Kutch district, where access to specialized eye care can be limited by geography. By bringing “Research & Referral” quality surgery to the border, the Indian Army’s Southern Command has significantly improved the quality of life for over 200 families in one of India’s most rugged terrains.