The 14th edition of the free Plastic Surgery Camp, organised by Akums in collaboration with Rotary International Club and Interplast Germany, is under way at Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram Hospital in Haridwar. The initiative is drawing participation from patients across regions.
Launched on 10 November, the camp features a team of doctors from Germany providing ten days of continuous medical services. The camp will run until 21 November 2025. The collaboration has been providing support for individuals with deformities, injuries and long-neglected medical conditions.
The camp offers free treatment for patients affected by burn deformities, accident-related injuries, tumours, severe wounds and other conditions requiring reconstructive or corrective surgery. Treatments related to tattoos are excluded, and this was communicated in advance through public notices across the city.
Many patients return annually for ongoing treatment. One such patient is Iftikhar from Bijnor, who has been undergoing staged reconstructive surgeries for five years. Burnt in an electrical accident, he was unable to afford treatment elsewhere. He said, “The doctors may be from Germany, but they understand my pain.” He expressed gratitude to Akums and Rotary International, calling them “messengers of God.” He reported about 70 per cent recovery and said he can now stand straight.
Archana Jain, Secretary of Akums Health & Educational Society, said, “Through the joint efforts of Rotary International and Akums, this camp has been serving the poor and underprivileged at the grassroots level for many years. Every year, around 150 to 200 serious patients come here and receive free treatment.” She said that patients appreciate the dignity and understanding they receive. Members of the Rotary women’s wing are present to assist patients and facilitate communication between Hindi-speaking patients and German doctors.
Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram Hospital is hosting the camp and providing support through its medical staff. The Akums medical team is assisting with dressings and post-operative care.
Interplast Germany is supporting the initiative through its 12-member medical team, which is rendering services in Haridwar. The partnership continues to focus on restoring lives and dignity for underserved patients.
The organisers report improved facilities and increasing patient participation each year as the 14th Plastic Surgery Camp continues to provide access to reconstructive care.