Indian Navy Launches Eye-Care Camp in Lakshadweep
The Government of India reaffirmed its dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare services to every citizen, particularly those in remote areas, during a recent initiative in Lakshadweep. On January 13, 2026, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the inaugural event of a Joint Services Multi-Speciality Camp organized by the Indian Navy at the Indira Gandhi Hospital in Kavaratti—marking a significant milestone for healthcare in the islands. He praised the camp as an exemplary demonstration of the Indian Navy’s vital contributions to nation-building and humanitarian efforts beyond just maritime security.
Through this initiative, a dedicated team from the Armed Forces Medical Services is providing advanced diagnostic capabilities and specialized care directly to residents’ doorsteps, offering services that include planned surgeries and cataract operations. “We’re working with the resolve of a Swasth Bharat,” Singh remarked, emphasizing the government’s comprehensive approach to health which includes a robust infrastructure and programs like Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras aimed at enhancing community well-being.
A Unique Partnership for Health
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, highlighted the unique aspects of the camp. He noted that it embodies ‘synergy,’ bringing together professionals from all three branches of the armed forces and local administration. The ‘scope’ of the initiative is substantial, featuring a wide array of medical specialists across various fields from cardiology to gastroenterology. Lastly, the ‘scale’ of the operation is impressive, with numerous medical professionals and support staff deployed to ensure comprehensive healthcare delivery.
After the inauguration, Admiral Tripathi engaged with patients and distributed spectacles, eye drops, and medicines to individuals benefiting from cataract surgeries. The ceremony also saw the presence of senior military and civil officers, along with local community members.
Expanding Healthcare Access
The Indian Navy is rolling out multi-speciality camps across five islands: Amini, Androth, Agatti, Kavaratti, and Minicoy, to enhance access to healthcare services. A specialized ophthalmology team is stationed at Kavaratti to perform cataract surgeries, with impressive results already noted. In just two days, nearly 50 sight-restoring surgeries were completed, showcasing world-class ophthalmic care delivered to the local population by specialists from the Army Hospital (Research & Referral).
Among the patients benefiting from this camp was Kuni Koya, a 65-year-old resident of Amini, who had lived with near blindness due to a hypermature cataract. His successful surgery embodies the camp’s mission of bringing essential healthcare to the smallest Union Territory of India. Another patient, 68-year-old Khalid from Agatti, expressed gratitude for the restoration of his vision, stating, “Today, the Navy gave me back the blue of my home,” after undergoing a groundbreaking surgical technique.
Holistic Approach to Wellbeing
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of health that transcends mere disease treatment, the camp also provided valuable insights into holistic well-being. Citizens received counseling on preventive healthcare, lifestyle changes, nutrition, and mental health. Dietary recommendations emphasized the benefits of millets, promoting traditional and sustainable food practices along with yoga for better long-term wellness.
This initiative mirrors the Prime Minister’s commitment to equitable healthcare access across India, especially for those in remote regions. The camp reinforces the national health philosophy of ‘One Earth, One Health’ by integrating curative and preventive health services, aligning with flagship programs such as Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
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