The Indian Navy is conducting a joint service multi-specialty medical camp in Lakshadweep. It is a reflection of the Navy’s commitment towards expanding health services, community welfare and continuing civil-military cooperation. Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi formally inaugurated the camp at Indira Gandhi Hospital in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep on Tuesday (January 13).
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the inauguration ceremony of the multi-level Joint Military Services Medical Camp in Lakshadweep through video conference. He said that this camp organized by the Indian Navy shows the commitment of the government to provide better healthcare services to the citizens in remote areas. He said that comprehensive screening, early diagnosis, timely medical advice and distribution of free medicines will contribute to long-term recovery.
This camp was organized for the first time in the islands
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, while virtually addressing the nearly one-week long Joint Services Multi-Specialist Camp organized by the Indian Navy, said that the government is committed to providing quality healthcare to every citizen of the country, especially those living in remote and island areas. This camp was organized for the first time in the islands. He described this initiative as an excellent example of the important role of the Indian Navy in nation building and humanitarian assistance beyond maritime security. He said that through this camp, the tri-service team of Armed Forces Medical Services has brought advanced diagnostic facilities and expert care directly to the doorsteps of people, including services like planned surgeries and cataract operations.
‘We are working with the resolve of a healthy India’
The Defense Minister said that comprehensive testing, early diagnosis, timely medical advice, medical interventions and free distribution of medicines will contribute to the long-term health benefits of the island community. He further said that we are working with the resolve of a healthy India. We have not only boosted the physical infrastructure in the health sector but also taken care of the welfare of the people through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Health checkup, prompt treatment, timely medical consultation
According to the Defense Minister, this huge scale medical camp has been organized by the Indian Navy. This reflects the commitment to provide quality health services to citizens living in remote areas. This is an important step towards taking forward the vision of Healthy India. He said that comprehensive health check-up, early diagnosis, timely medical consultation, necessary medical interventions and distribution of free medicines will ensure long-term health benefits for the island community.
Navy Chief inaugurated
Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, while formally inaugurating the camp, described this initiative as unique. This camp is a true joint effort with professionals from the three services and the local administration. It has participation from various medical specialists like cardiology, ophthalmology, cataract surgery, kidney disease, neurology, gastroenterology, dermatology and endocrine disease. A large number of medical professionals and support personnel have been deployed for this camp. He emphasized that such joint initiatives strengthen inter-service synergy and civil-military cooperation, while also contributing significantly to the welfare of citizens.
Handed over eye drops and medicines to patients
After the inauguration ceremony, the Navy Chief interacted with the patients and handed over spectacles, eye drops and medicines to the cataract surgery beneficiaries. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Surgeon Vice Admiral Aarti Sareen, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services, Sai B Deepak, Advisor to the Administrator, along with senior officers of the Armed Forces, representatives of the civil administration and members of the local public.
This multi-specialist medical camp is being organized by the Indian Navy in the five islands of Lakshadweep, Amini, Androth, Agatti, Kavaratti and Minicoy. Its objective is to provide comprehensive, accessible and holistic health services to the islanders. In this five-day camp, consultation, investigation and treatment are being provided in many basic and super-specialty services including cardiology, nephrology, neurology, gastroenterology, endocrinology. Cataract operations are being conducted for eligible patients by a specially deployed ophthalmology team at Kavaratti.