In a landmark event for eastern Uttar Pradesh, a mega advanced surgical eye camp concluded at the 12 Air Force Hospital in Gorakhpur on Friday. Over four intensive days, a dedicated team of doctors from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force performed life-changing surgeries on 374 patients, bringing hope and clear vision back to countless lives.
The closing ceremony drew high-profile attendance, including Central Air Command’s Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Air Marshal B Manikantan. Senior officials, such as Director General Armed Forces Medical Services Surgeon Vice Admiral Aarti Sarin and Director General Medical Services (Air) Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, conducted thorough inspections, underscoring the camp’s significance.
This initiative attracted patients from remote rural areas of Siddharthnagar, Azamgarh, Deoria, Maharajganj, and Gorakhpur, extending its reach even to neighbors from Nepal. For 69-year-old Amarnath Gupta, a local resident, the camp was a miracle. Years of deteriorating eyesight had robbed him of seeing his grandchildren’s faces clearly. Post-surgery, Gupta’s emotional joy reflected the triumph for hundreds others who regained their sight.
Leading the effort was Brigadier (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Head of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research and Referral), supported by Lieutenant Colonel Ravi Chauhan, Major Amrita Joshi, and a skilled surgical team. They utilized state-of-the-art medical equipment airlifted by Indian Air Force aircraft, ensuring precision and world-class care.
The camp’s success marks a historic milestone in accessible eye care, demonstrating the armed forces’ commitment to public health. It not only restored vision but also illuminated paths for better living in underserved regions, setting a precedent for future medical outreach programs.