In a significant healthcare initiative, the Indian Army organized an advanced eye surgical camp at the 158 Base Hospital in Bagdogra, West Bengal, from March 20 to 24. The camp, aimed at providing high-quality medical care to ex-servicemen and their dependents, saw over 1,752 individuals screened for various ophthalmic ailments, including cataracts. More than 350 cataract surgeries were successfully performed during the five-day camp, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence on Monday.
A specialized medical team from Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi; Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt; and Command Hospital, Lucknow, conducted the surgeries, ensuring that the patients received top-tier care using state-of-the-art equipment and high-quality lenses. Additionally, over 500 pairs of high-standard glasses were distributed free of cost to those in need.
One of the notable aspects of the camp was the inclusion of ex-servicemen and their dependents from Nepal. A total of 17 individuals were screened, and some underwent cataract surgeries at no charge, further highlighting the camp’s reach and commitment to serving veterans across borders.
The initiative was led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi. Brigadier Mishra, a renowned ophthalmic surgeon with over one lakh successful cataract, vitreoretinal, refractive, and glaucoma surgeries to his credit, emphasized that the camp brought world-class treatment to veterans in the foothills of the Himalayas, covering regions across West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, and Nepal. He noted that the camp allowed veterans to receive care without the need to travel long distances.
The camp was conducted under the directives of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, following a request from the Governor of West Bengal, Shri CV Ananda Bose. The initiative is part of the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to provide high-quality medical services to veterans, reaffirming the Ministry of Defence’s focus on ensuring the well-being of those who have served the nation.
This camp, supported by the Trishakti Corps, underscored the strong collaboration between the state and military leadership in enhancing healthcare access for veterans and their families in the eastern sector.
