Udhampur: Life in the remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir can be tough. Many people struggle with the darkness of untreated vision problems. But hope has come through the Advanced Surgical Eye Camp held at Command Hospital Northern Command in Udhampur. This initiative aimed to provide urgent eye care to those in dire need.
The camp screened about 1,500 people, including military personnel, their families, war widows, and local residents. This massive effort was supported by a skilled team of ophthalmologists, led by Major General Sanjay Sharma, who traveled from distant regions to offer care. Communities from places like Poonch and Rajouri made the long journey, facing tough terrain to reach help.
One unforgettable story is that of Surinder Singh, a 72-year-old man from Poonch. For three years, he lived with blindness, a painful reminder of the violence he had seen during ‘Operation Sindoor.’ The conflict had taken many lives around him, leaving deep scars. After receiving treatment at the camp, Surinder became an advocate for others with similar struggles, using his restored sight to inspire hope in his community.
Another beneficiary, Abdullah Shafeeq, a retired soldier from Mendhar, played a critical role in connecting locals to the camp’s valuable services. The camp’s success extended to many others, including 96-year-old Rajkumari Devi, who regained her ability to see the world clearly.
This camp was born from a collective desire to serve. It started when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded to a request from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. After Rajnath’s directive, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi ensured that the camp would proceed promptly, showcasing both medical expertise and compassion.
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma oversaw the entire operation, highlighting the Indian Army’s dedication to providing critical healthcare through initiatives like Operation Sadbhavna. Expert planning by military medical authorities assured that the camp met the highest standards of care.
Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, a renowned ophthalmologist, led the surgical team. His leadership was vital as they conducted over 400 complex procedures, including cataract and glaucoma surgeries. This achievement was remarkable, given the challenges they faced in transporting delicate equipment over vast distances and adapting makeshift facilities into sterile operating rooms.
The camp wasn’t just about the surgeries; it symbolized resilience. The medical teams worked tirelessly, often performing back-to-back procedures on patients who had waited long for care. They also aimed to establish a system for follow-up care, which is crucial in these remote areas.
As we look at this initiative, it’s worth noting that similar efforts in other parts of the world have had significant impacts on community health. For instance, a recent study showed that mobile health units can improve access to care in rural areas by up to 40%. This kind of approach highlights the importance of outreach in ensuring that those most in need receive timely help.
The Advanced Surgical Eye Camp serves as a reminder of the power of healthcare in rebuilding lives and communities, especially in regions that have faced hardship. The dedication shown by everyone involved not only restored sight but also hope, turning stories of darkness into journeys of light.
For more information on similar initiatives and the impact of healthcare outreach programs, visit PIB.
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INDIAN, COMMAND HOSPITAL INDIAN ARMY, UDHAMPUR, OP SINDOOR, INDIAN ARMY, THE CAMP DELIVERED LIFE-CHANGING RESULTS, PERHAPS BEST EXEMPLIFIED BY RAJKUMARI DEVI
