Operation International’s Team Maryland Completes Successful Mission in Amritsar

PUNJABI HEADLINE ( HARMINDER SINGH KITTY)  In February 2025, Team Maryland, led by Dr. Vivek Sood, embarked on their inaugural mission with Operation International to Sri Guru Ramdas Charitable Hospital in Amritsar, India. The team, comprising six physicians and assistants, performed 16 total knee replacements over a span of a few days. These surgeries have been transformative, offering enhanced mobility and an improved quality of life to patients, many of whom are laborers or household helpers lacking the means to afford such procedures independently. All patients have reported positive recoveries and have been discharged from the hospital.

This mission underscores Operation International’s commitment to delivering critical medical care to underserved communities worldwide. By restoring mobility to these individuals, Team Maryland has not only alleviated physical pain but also empowered patients to resume their livelihoods, thereby fostering economic and social well-being within the community.

For more information about Operation International and their global medical missions, visit their official website.

Operation International is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free medical and surgical care to underserved communities worldwide. Established in 1996 by Dr. Medhat Allam, Dr. Ravi Kothuru, and Robert Mineo, CRNA, the organization focuses on improving healthcare infrastructure, training local medical professionals, and offering shelter and education to orphans.

Mission and Activities

The organization’s primary objectives include:

• Free Medical Care: Delivering surgical and medical services at no cost to patients in need.
• Professional Training: Educating local healthcare providers to enhance medical practices sustainably.
• Infrastructure Development: Upgrading hospital facilities to ensure long-term improvements in patient care.
• Orphan Support: Providing essential resources and education to orphans, aiming to break the cycle of poverty.

Global Reach

Operation International comprises multiple teams, or chapters, located in the USA, UK, Spain, and Hong Kong. Each chapter operates independently, organizing missions to various countries to address specific medical needs. These teams have conducted missions in regions such as Kenya, Ecuador, Tanzania, and Ghana, performing life-changing surgeries and medical procedures.

Recent Achievements

In 2023, Operation International reported significant impacts, including:

• Restoring eyesight to 338 individuals.
• Conducting 540 major general surgeries.
• Performing 255 reconstructive dental procedures.
• Removing 103 head and neck tumors.
• Sheltering and educating over 2,100 orphans across three orphanages.

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