Indian Navy conducts first joint surgical camp in Lakshadweep, Rajnath Singh lauds outreach
New Delhi: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the government remained committed to providing quality healthcare to every citizen, particularly those living in remote and island territories.
He made the remarks while virtually addressing the Joint Services Multi-Speciality Camp organised by the Indian Navy at Indira Gandhi Hospital in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep. Notably, the nearly week-long joint surgical camp was held in the islands for the first time. The Tri-Services medical team delivered advanced diagnostics, specialist consultations, planned surgeries and cataract operations directly to residents.
Rajnath Singh said comprehensive screening, early diagnosis and timely medical intervention would bring long-term health benefits to the island community. Moreover, he said free distribution of medicines strengthened preventive care. He added that initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras supported the goal of a “Swasth Bharat”.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi formally inaugurated the camp. He described the initiative as unique due to its synergy, scope and scale. According to him, doctors from all three Services worked closely with the local administration, which strengthened civil-military cooperation.
He further said the scope of the joint surgical camp covered cardiology, ophthalmology, nephrology, neurology, gastroenterology, dermatology and endocrinology. In addition, he noted that the scale of deployment made the initiative unprecedented for the islands.
Joint surgical camp restores eyesight and expands healthcare reach
After the inauguration, Admiral Tripathi interacted with patients and distributed spectacles, eye drops and medicines to beneficiaries. Importantly, doctors conducted nearly 50 sight-restoring surgeries within just two days. Specialists from Army Hospital (Research & Referral) performed the procedures, and more surgeries are scheduled in the coming days.
To ensure wide coverage, the Indian Navy deployed 29 medical officers, two nursing officers and 42 paramedical personnel. Dedicated ophthalmology teams operated in Kavaratti, while surgical teams worked in Agatti and Minicoy. As a result, residents across multiple islands received specialist care locally.
The camp covered five islands — Amini, Androth, Agatti, Kavaratti and Minicoy — to maximise access. Meanwhile, authorities augmented medical equipment, stores and medicines to support Lakshadweep’s existing healthcare network of district hospitals, community health centres and primary facilities.
Beyond treatment, the camp promoted preventive healthcare and holistic well-being. Therefore, doctors counselled residents on lifestyle changes, nutrition, mental health and yoga. They also highlighted the benefits of millets as part of sustainable diets. The initiative aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of equitable healthcare and the ‘One Earth, One Health’ approach.
Senior Armed Forces officers, civil administration representatives and local residents attended the inaugural ceremony.
