Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Tuesday (January 13, 2026) formally inaugurated a Joint Services Multi-Speciality Medical Camp at Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kavaratti in Lakshadweep. In a powerful demonstration of the Armed Forces’ expanding role in nation-building, the camp, envisioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is being held from January 12 to 17, 2026.
The large-scale humanitarian initiative is being spearheaded by the Indian Navy, reinforcing its commitment to public welfare alongside its core mandate of maritime security. Defence minister Singh praised the Navy for organising the camp which would contribute to long-term health benefits for the island community.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior leadership from the Armed Forces and civil administration, 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 senior UT officials.
Navy’s medical outreach across 5 islands
The Indian Navy is conducting the multi-speciality camp across five islands – Amini, Androth, Agatti, Kavaratti and Minicoy – ensuring wide geographic outreach in one of India’s most remote regions. Residents are receiving comprehensive medical consultations and diagnostic and therapeutic services in both basic and super-specialities.
The five-day camp includes expert care in Cardiology, Nephrology, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Dermatology, with a dedicated ophthalmology team deployed at Kavaratti for cataract surgeries.
Dedicated surgical teams have also been positioned at Agatti and Minicoy to address operative and procedural requirements, supported by enhanced medical equipment, stores and medicines.
How Navy is going beyond its maritime security role
Addressing the inaugural ceremony via video message, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Indian Navy for organising the camp and highlighted the government’s commitment to taking quality healthcare to India’s remotest corners under the vision of ‘Swasth Bharat’.
He emphasised that comprehensive screening, early diagnosis, timely intervention and free distribution of medicines would deliver long-term health benefits to island communities. Crucially, Singh underlined that the initiative showcases how the Indian Navy is going beyond its mandate of maritime security to contribute to nation-building and humanitarian assistance.
Navy Chief calls initiative unique in 3 ways
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi underlined that such initiatives strengthen inter-service synergy, deepen civil-military cooperation and deliver meaningful outcomes for citizens. With this, he described the camp as unique on three counts:
Synergy: A truly joint endeavour involving medical professionals from all three Services working alongside the local civil administration.
Scope: The wide spectrum of specialties, from cardiology and nephrology to ophthalmology and advanced cataract surgery.
Scale: The large number of medical experts, nursing officers and support personnel deployed simultaneously across multiple islands.
World-class ophthalmic care transforms lives
A major highlight of the camp has been the conduct of over 46 sight-restoring surgeries in just two days, with many more planned in the coming days. Specialists from Army Hospital (Research & Referral) delivered advanced ophthalmic care rarely available in island territories.
Among the beneficiaries was 65-year-old Kuni Koya from Amini, who suffered from hypermature cataracts in both eyes, and 68-year-old Khalid C from Agatti, where advanced surgical techniques were used locally for the first time, thereby restoring vision and quality of life.
Navy brings to life PM’s holistic health vision
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that health encompasses overall wellness, the camp also focuses on preventive healthcare, lifestyle counselling, mental well-being and nutrition. Island residents received guidance on yoga, wellness practices and the benefits of millets as part of India’s sustainable and traditional food systems.
With 29 Medical Officers, two Nursing Officers and 42 paramedical personnel deployed from across the country, the Joint Services Multi-Speciality Medical Camp stands as a testament to the Indian Navy’s expanding humanitarian footprint.
The initiative underscores how India’s Armed Forces are emerging as a critical force multiplier, not just in safeguarding borders and seas, but in delivering inclusive development and humanitarian assistance to the nation’s most remote communities.