The Indian Army has launched a free eye surgery camp at 158 Base Hospital, Bengdubi Military Station, to help more than 350 people regain their eyesight. The camp, which is part of the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment, was inaugurated by Lt Gen RC Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command.
This initiative, organized by the Trishakti Corps, focuses on helping veterans, their families, and select civilians by providing free cataract surgeries. Lt Gen Tiwari praised the doctors and medical staff for their hard work and assured that the Indian Army remains committed to caring for its people and the larger community.
Bengdubi and the nearby areas have a large population of ex-servicemen and their families, covering regions of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, and even Nepal. With nearly 96,000 veterans living in this region, the camp plays a crucial role in offering advanced eye care to those in need.
Leading the medical team is Brigadier Sanjay Mishra, a highly experienced eye surgeon and Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Army Hospital Research and Referral, New Delhi. He is supported by specialists from Base Hospital Delhi Cantt and Command Hospital Lucknow. The team plans to conduct 300 to 350 cataract surgeries over three days using the latest medical technology and high-quality lenses.
One of the beneficiaries, Subedar (Retd) Ramesh Thapa, expressed his gratitude after his successful surgery.
“My eyesight had been getting worse for years, making even simple tasks difficult. When I heard about this camp, I felt like it was a blessing. Now, after my surgery, I can see clearly again. The Indian Army has always stood by us, and I am deeply grateful.”
In addition to helping veterans, the camp is also offering free cataract surgeries to some civilians on a first-come, first-served basis. This shows the Indian Army’s strong commitment to supporting the wider community.
This is the third time the Indian Army has organized such a camp, following successful events in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and Jaipur, Rajasthan. Through these efforts, the Army continues to provide free, high-quality medical care, improving the lives of veterans and their families by ensuring they receive the best possible healthcare. (PR)