Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, along with General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, visited the Surgical Eye Camp at Military Hospital, Bhuj, organised in collaboration with Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi.
Conducted under the aegis of Southern Command, the three-day camp (03–05 February 2026) successfully restored the vision to over 200 veterans, their dependents, and civilians from the Kutch region. This outreach event targeted a population of nearly 3,000 across the Kutch district, including beneficiaries from more than 120 villages of Bhuj Taluka, covering remote border villages such as Lakhpat, Narayan Sarovar, and Dayapar.
The surgeries were performed using state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment and premium intraocular lenses, adhering to the highest clinical and safety standards. The Defence Secretary appreciated the initiative, describing it as a commendable example of the Indian Army’s commitment to veterans’ welfare and military–civil cooperation.
He acknowledged the impact of such outreach programmes in improving the quality of life of beneficiaries in remote and border areas. In recognition of exemplary service, the Defence Secretary felicitated Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Consultant and Head of Department (Ophthalmology), and the surgical eye team from Army Hospital (R&R) for their outstanding contribution in delivering high-quality ophthalmic care under challenging field conditions.
He also interacted with patients in the post-operative wards, enquired about their well-being, and personally distributed post-operative medicines and spectacles to several beneficiaries.