Port Blair, Jan. 4: ANIIMS, Port Blair marked a significant milestone in healthcare with the inauguration of the 'Cataract & Eye Camp' at the Isolation Ward of G B Pant Hospital yesterday. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (Labour & Employment/Mission Director NHM) in the presence of Dr. Pragya Sharma, Director (ANIIMS), Dr. Suja Antony, Director (Health Services), Dr. M K Saha, Medical Superintendent, Dr. Arpita Saha, Additional Medical Superintendent, Dr. Satyajit Haldar, Joint Secretary, NPCBVI, and other Program Directors of Directorate of Health Services.

The camp, which is set to run for the next 45 days, aims to provide specialized eye care services, particularly focusing on cataract and other therapeutic surgeries and procedures. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of a dedicated team from Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital (VMMC and SJH), New Delhi, consisting of Dr. Anurag Narula, Sr. Consultant, Dr. Gajashree and Dr. Harishta, Senior Residents, deputed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI, exclusively to tackle the burden of preventable eye diseases in these Islands.

Dr. Sneha, Senior Resident and In-charge, Department of Ophthalmology, ANIIMS, provided an insightful introduction about the camp, emphasizing its importance and the specialized services it aims to deliver. The event commenced with the lighting of the lamp by all the dignitaries, symbolizing the illumination of hope and better vision for the patients.

Dr. Anil Agarwal, in his inaugural address, expressed his gratitude towards the visiting doctors in conducting the camp. He urged the patients to wholeheartedly avail themselves of the specialist services that will be provided during the course of the camp. Dr. Agarwal interacted with the patients, assuring them of the highest quality of care and encouraging them to embrace the opportunity for improved eye health.

A total of 500 cataract patients are expected to benefit from this camp, reflecting the commitment of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration towards enhancing healthcare accessibility and ensuring the well-being of its residents.