The Indian Army conducted a state-of-the-art eye surgical camp at 158 Base Hospital, Bagdogra, West Bengal, from March 20 to 24, 2025, providing advanced medical care to ex-servicemen. A total of 1,752 ex-servicemen and their dependents were screened for various ophthalmic ailments, including cataract. An expert medical team from Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi; Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt; and Command Hospital, Lucknow, cumulatively conducted more than 350 cataract surgeries over five days.
In addition, over 500 high-standard glasses were distributed free of cost. The use of top-tier equipment and high-quality lenses ensured that patients received the best possible care, reinforcing the Ministry of Defence’s emphasis on quality healthcare under the leadership of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.
The biggest highlight of the camp was the Ophthalmic patients from Nepal. A total of 17 ex-servicemen including their dependents, were screened for ophthalmic ailments, and some of them were subjected to cataract surgeries free of cost with high-quality lenses.
This initiative was spearheaded by Brig Sanjay Kumar Mishra, an ophthalmic surgeon and the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi. Brig. SK Mishra has been credited with performing over one lakh successful cataract, vitreoretinal, refractive, and glaucoma surgeries. He stated that the camp had brought world-class treatment to veterans who have dedicated their lives to the nation in the foothills of the Himalayas, spanning a vast region of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, and even Nepal. It was ensured that the veterans receive the care they deserve without the need to travel, he added.
The camp was conducted under the directives of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on the request of Governor of West Bengal Shri CV Ananda Bose, extending high-quality ophthalmic treatment to the region. This initiative is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Indian Army in ensuring top-tier medical services reach our veterans in an eastern sector.
This initiative highlighted the Indian Army’s commitment to the well-being of its veterans and their families. This initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the state and military leadership, particularly the Trishakti Corps, to enhance healthcare access for the brave individuals who have served the nation.
