By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 27 Dec: A Mega Eye Surgery Camp for ex-servicemen and their dependants of Uttarakhand region was conducted at the Military Hospital here, under the aegis of the Central Command and Uttarakhand Sub Area of the Indian Army. This initiative, as part of the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment, aimed to provide high-quality ophthalmic care to those who served the nation.
The camp, which commenced on 25 December, brought together a highly skilled team of eye surgeons from the Ophthalmology Department, Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, led by chief surgeon Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra alongside the eye surgeons of MH Dehradun. The team has performed continuous cataract surgeries for veterans in need utilising state of the art equipment and premium intra ocular lenses bringing light and hope to hundreds of lives.
Major Amrita Joshi, an eye specialist and resident of Uttarakhand who accompanied the team from R&R Hospital, said that more than 600 patients registered in this camp and, out of these, cataract surgery of more than 230 people was successfully done ensuring significant improvements in the quality of life for the patients and their families.
The Chief Guest at the felicitation ceremony, held today as part of this initiative, was Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd).
Speaking at the event, Lt General Gurmit Singh lauded the dedication and expertise of the medical team. “This camp is a shining example of the Indian Army’s ethos of taking care of its own, even after active service. The precision and care displayed by the eye surgeons here reflect the high standards of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMSF) and their commitment to serving humanity,” he said. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, DGAFMS and Army Medical Corps for their exceptional efforts in conducting this camp and making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans and their families. He specially commended the Indian Army for its unwavering commitment to the welfare of its veterans and their dependants.
During the ceremony, the Governor distributed free medicines and spectacles to the patients, boosting their morale and underscoring the importance of comprehensive care.
Health Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat accompanied the Governor and expressed his appreciation of the collaborative efforts in enhancing the health infrastructure and addressing visual impairments among the veteran community. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in addressing preventable blindness. He stated, “The partnership between the Army and the National Programme for Control of Blindness is a testament to our shared vision of creating a healthier and happier society. These surgeries are not just about restoring sight but restoring independence and confidence in those affected.”
Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, Commandant, IMA, Major General R Premraj, GOC, Uttarakhand Sub Area, Brigadier Sanjog Negi, Professor Madan Lal Brahm Bhatt, Vice Chancellor, HNBUMU, witnessed the event along with many military and civil dignitaries and veterans.
Military Hospital Dehradun, a major zonal hospital under the command of Brigadier Parikshit Singh, has been at the forefront of providing exemplary healthcare services to, both, serving and retired personnel and their families. Known for its advanced medical facilities and dedicated staff, MH Dehradun continues to set a benchmark in patient care, infrastructure, and medical excellence, contributing significantly to the nation’s welfare.
