Eye surgical camp launched at SDH Beerwah

Arif Rashid
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18 Dec 2025

Budgam, Dec 18: Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Budgam, Dr Gulzar Ahmad, said on Thursday that nearly 150 patients will receive free treatment under a special eye surgical camp launched by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Beerwah. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Dr Gulzar said the camp has been started to provide quality ophthalmic care to patients, particularly those from far-flung areas of Budgam district. “Under this initiative, we are targeting to cover 100 to 150 patients at SDH Beerwah. Eye surgeries will be conducted twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” he said. CMO Budgam said the initiative has been taken by DHSK, which has deputed a team of experienced doctors to perform free eye surgeries at the hospital. “All services, including surgeries, medicines and other necessary requirements, are being provided free of cost. Patients do not have to spend a single rupee from their own pockets, as everything is being arranged by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir,” he added. Dr Gulzar said patients from remote areas earlier faced considerable hardship in travelling to Srinagar-based hospitals for eye surgeries. “With this camp, patients are now receiving treatment at their doorstep without any financial burden or the need to travel long distances. There is absolutely no expense involved for patients under this initiative,” he said. Highlighting the facilities available at SDH Beerwah, the CMO said the hospital has been equipped with one of the best ultrasound machines provided by DHSK, along with digital X-ray facilities. However, he said dialysis services are currently not available at the hospital. “We are hopeful that dialysis facilities will be established in a phased manner, and from next year, patients will be able to benefit from these services as well,” he said. When asked about the absence of laparoscopic facilities at the hospital, Dr Gulzar said such facilities have become essential for hospitals where surgeries are performed regularly. “We are making every possible effort to ensure that SDH Beerwah is equipped with laparoscopic facilities. The matter has already been taken up with the Director Health Services Kashmir, who has assured us that these facilities will be provided,” he said, adding that the hospital has well-experienced doctors to utilise the equipment effectively. During his visit, the CMO also interacted with OPD patients attending the camp for ophthalmic consultations and emphasised the importance of early detection and timely management of eye diseases. The medical and paramedical staff were appreciated for their dedication and coordinated efforts in delivering quality eye care services.