In a landmark humanitarian outreach, the Indian Navy has organised the first-ever Joint Services Multi-Speciality Mega Surgical Camp in the Lakshadweep islands, bringing advanced healthcare directly to remote communities. Addressing the camp virtually, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for every citizen, especially those living in geographically isolated and island territories.
First-of-its-Kind Tri-Services Medical Camp in Lakshadweep
The nearly week-long camp is being conducted at Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kavaratti, marking the first such large-scale multi-speciality medical initiative in the Lakshadweep archipelago. Organised by the Indian Navy, the initiative brings together a Tri-Services medical team from the Armed Forces Medical Services, demonstrating the expanding role of the Armed Forces in humanitarian assistance and nation-building beyond defence.
Raksha Mantri highlighted that the camp has delivered:
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Comprehensive health screening
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Early diagnosis and specialist consultations
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Planned surgical interventions
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Cataract operations
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Free distribution of medicines
He noted that such interventions will contribute to long-term health benefits for island communities.
Healthcare at the Doorstep: A Step Towards ‘Swasth Bharat’
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that the Government is working with the resolve of building a ‘Swasth Bharat’ (Healthy India). Along with strengthening healthcare infrastructure, initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras are ensuring affordable and accessible care across the country.
He described the Lakshadweep camp as a powerful example of how advanced diagnostics and specialist care can reach the most remote citizens, ensuring that no region remains underserved.
‘Synergy, Scope and Scale’ Make the Camp Unique: CNS
Formally inaugurating the camp, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi described the initiative as unique on three counts:
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Synergy: A truly joint effort involving medical professionals from all three Services working alongside the local civil administration
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Scope: Wide range of specialties including cardiology, ophthalmology, nephrology, neurology, gastroenterology, dermatology, endocrinology and cataract surgery
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Scale: Large deployment of doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, equipment and logistics support across multiple islands
He stressed that such initiatives strengthen inter-service cooperation and civil–military collaboration, while delivering meaningful welfare outcomes for citizens.
Massive Outreach Across Five Islands
As envisioned by the Raksha Mantri, the Indian Navy is conducting camps across five islands — Amini, Androth, Agatti, Kavaratti, and Minicoy — ensuring maximum outreach and accessibility.
Key deployments include:
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29 Medical Officers
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2 Nursing Officers
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42 Paramedical personnel
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Dedicated surgical teams at Agatti and Minicoy
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Specialised ophthalmology team at Kavaratti for cataract surgeries
Medical equipment, medicines and specialist facilities have been augmented to complement the existing government healthcare infrastructure in Lakshadweep.
Nearly 50 Sight-Restoring Surgeries in Just Two Days
A standout achievement of the camp has been the completion of nearly 50 cataract surgeries within just two days, performed by specialists from Army Hospital (Research & Referral). These procedures have restored vision and transformed lives across the islands, with many more surgeries scheduled in the coming days.
Stories That Reflect the Human Impact
Restoring the Patriarch – Kuni Koya (65), Amini Island
Suffering from hypermature cataract and near blindness, Kuni Koya’s successful surgery symbolises the core mission of the camp — ensuring that even the most remote citizens are not left behind in darkness.
The Agatti Breakthrough – Khalid C (68)
For years, Khalid lived with fading vision. After undergoing advanced eye surgery on Agatti — a first for the island — he described the moment emotionally:
“Today, the Navy gave me back the blue of my home.”
Such stories reflect the deep humanitarian impact of the initiative beyond statistics.
Focus on Preventive Care and Holistic Wellbeing
Beyond clinical interventions, the camp places strong emphasis on holistic health, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision that good health means overall wellbeing.
Participants received guidance on:
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Preventive healthcare
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Lifestyle modification
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Mental wellbeing
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Nutrition awareness
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Benefits of millets as a traditional, sustainable diet
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Yoga and wellness practices for long-term health
This integrated approach combines curative, preventive, and promotive healthcare.
Aligning with National Vision of Equity in Healthcare
The initiative reflects the spirit of flagship programmes such as Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana and India’s global health philosophy of ‘One Earth, One Health’. By ensuring that high-quality healthcare reaches even the most remote islands, the camp embodies the Government’s commitment to inclusive development and equitable access to essential services.
Conclusion
The Joint Services Multi-Speciality Mega Surgical Camp in Lakshadweep stands as a powerful example of compassionate governance, military professionalism, and national commitment to social welfare. With advanced healthcare delivered at the doorstep of remote island communities, hundreds of lives are being positively transformed. The initiative not only restores health and dignity but also reinforces the belief that every citizen, regardless of geography, deserves access to world-class care.
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Source: PIB
