In a significant move to bolster healthcare access, the Indian Navy is set to conduct a comprehensive Joint Services Multi-Speciality Medical Camp across the islands of Lakshadweep. Scheduled from January 12 to 16, this initiative is a cornerstone of the Navy's civil-military cooperation and healthcare outreach programs.
Comprehensive Care for Island Residents
The five-day camp will be formally inaugurated by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff. Its primary objective is to deliver extensive medical services to the local population. This will encompass specialist consultations, treatment, and selected surgical procedures, with a specific focus on performing cataract surgeries for those in need.
This event marks an expansion of the Navy's longstanding tradition of organizing medical outreach activities around Navy Day. Historically, these camps provided primary and dental care across the archipelago. Encouraged by the improving local healthcare infrastructure, strong support from the Lakshadweep administration, and an enthusiastic response from islanders, the program has now evolved into a full-fledged multi-speciality camp.
Wide Spectrum of Medical Expertise
A joint services medical team, comprising specialists and officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, will execute the camp. This tri-service participation ensures a broad and integrated pool of clinical knowledge for holistic healthcare delivery.
The camp will cover the islands of Agatti, Kavaratti, Androth, Amini, and Minicoy. Services will range from basic specialities like dental surgery to advanced super-specialities including:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
Beyond outpatient consultations, the camp will facilitate cataract surgeries and other general surgical procedures in close coordination with local health authorities. Pre-camp screening by specialists is already in progress on the islands to identify patients. Furthermore, medical teams will provide crucial guidance on follow-up care to ensure treatment continuity after the camp concludes.
Focus on Prevention and Community Health
The initiative is designed to complement Lakshadweep's existing government healthcare network of district hospitals and health centres. It aims to provide access to specialist expertise with an emphasis on early diagnosis, timely intervention, and proper clinical management of common and chronic ailments.
A key component will be preventive healthcare and health awareness. Medical officers will engage with community members on topics such as lifestyle-related conditions, maternal and child health, nutrition, and general wellness.
The inauguration ceremony will see the presence of senior naval leadership, including Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena (Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command), Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin (Director General Armed Forces Medical Services), and Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai (Director General Medical Services (Navy)). Senior officials from the Lakshadweep administration and the armed forces are also expected to attend.
Officials express confidence that this extensive camp will benefit a large number of residents and significantly strengthen the bond of trust and goodwill between the Indian Navy and the people of Lakshadweep.
