In a significant demonstration of the Indian Army’s service-first ethos and commitment to community welfare, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, along with Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, visited the Surgical Eye Camp at Military Hospital Bhuj on 05 February 2026.
The specialised medical outreach programme was conducted in collaboration with Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, under the aegis of Southern Command, and stands as a landmark initiative in delivering advanced ophthalmic care to populations in a remote and strategically sensitive border region.
A High-Impact Medical Outreach in a Border Region
The three-day Surgical Eye Camp, held from 03 to 05 February 2026, successfully restored vision to over 200 beneficiaries, including veterans, their dependents, and civilians from across the Kutch region.
Beyond surgical interventions, the outreach programme extended diagnostic and screening services to nearly 3,000 people, covering more than 120 villages of Bhuj Taluka. Beneficiaries included residents from remote border villages such as Lakhpat, Narayan Sarovar, and Dayapar, areas that often face limited access to specialized healthcare facilities.
This initiative reflects the Army’s ability to project world-class medical expertise into geographically challenging and underserved regions.
Defence Secretary’s Interaction with Patients and Medical Teams
During the visit, the Defence Secretary personally interacted with patients in the post-operative recovery wards, enquiring about their well-being, recovery progress, and overall experience. He also distributed post-operative medicines and spectacles to several beneficiaries, reinforcing a compassionate, patient-centric approach.
Recognising exceptional professional excellence, Rajesh Kumar Singh felicitated Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM**, Consultant and Head of Department (Ophthalmology)**, along with the surgical eye care team from Army Hospital (R&R). The Defence Secretary commended the team for delivering high-quality ophthalmic care under demanding field conditions, maintaining the highest standards of clinical safety and precision.
Advanced Procedures and State-of-the-Art Medical Care
The camp performed advanced cataract and corrective eye surgeries using:
- State-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment
- Premium intraocular lenses
- Strictly enforced clinical and patient safety protocols
All procedures were carried out in accordance with national and international medical standards, ensuring optimal surgical outcomes even in a field-based environment. The successful execution of such procedures highlights the technological and professional capabilities of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).
Strengthening Civil–Military Cooperation
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth highlighted the importance of civil–military cooperation in enhancing quality of life in border and remote regions. The camp served not only as a medical initiative but also as a trust-building exercise, strengthening the relationship between the Armed Forces and local communities.
The Defence Secretary described the programme as a model example of military–civil synergy, noting that such initiatives:
- Improve access to specialised healthcare
- Enhance veterans’ welfare
- Reinforce the Army’s image as a force for national service beyond combat roles
Indian Army’s Service-First Ethos in Action
By delivering specialised corrective eye care in far-flung and strategically vital areas, the Indian Army continues to uphold its service-first ethos. Such initiatives bridge critical healthcare gaps, promote social inclusion, and ensure that veterans and civilians alike benefit from the nation’s military medical expertise.
These efforts also contribute to:
- Improved morale and trust among local populations
- Enhanced human security in border regions
- Reinforcement of the Army’s role in nation-building and humanitarian assistance
Conclusion
The visit of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth to the Surgical Eye Camp at Military Hospital Bhuj underscores the Indian Army’s enduring commitment to community welfare, veterans’ care, and humanitarian outreach.
Through advanced medical interventions, compassionate leadership, and seamless coordination, the initiative stands as a powerful example of how the Armed Forces continue to serve the nation—both on the frontlines and beyond.