• 220 surgeries performed in border Tangdhar; modern equipment airlifted to remote area
• 144 patients operated on at Srinagar camp; LG attends closing ceremony
• Says initiative demonstrates Army’s healthcare outreach beyond conventional role
Srinagar, | Sept: 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday attended the closing ceremony of the 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp organised by the Indian Army under Operation Drishti, where officials said 364 vision-restoring surgeries were performed in Srinagar and Tangdhar in Kupwara district.
Of the total surgeries, 144 were conducted at the Srinagar camp, while 220 patients underwent surgery at Tangdhar, where the Army organised what officials described as the first mega eye surgery camp in the border area.
Sinha commended the Armed Forces Medical Services personnel, soldiers and support staff involved in the initiative and said the surgeries represented more than medical figures, describing them as restoring vision and improving the lives of beneficiaries.
At Tangdhar, medical teams operated despite difficult terrain and logistical challenges. According to officials, an underground operation theatre was established for the camp, while modern surgical equipment was airlifted to the area to facilitate the procedures.
“Those who have seen Tangdhar’s geographical conditions understand that reaching there with assistance is itself a challenge. One must cross mountains, traverse difficult terrain and at times advance even amidst the danger. Yet, in this very challenging and uncertain environment, our doctors and brave soldiers, under the leadership of Brigadier Sanjay Mishra, created a centre of hope,” Sinha said.
Patients from Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Bagbella and adjoining villages benefited from the camp.
Sinha said the initiative demonstrated the Armed Forces Medical Services’ ability to extend specialised healthcare to remote areas. He also acknowledged the role of Air Force pilots and Army personnel in transporting equipment and supporting the medical teams.
“This is true courage, dedication to duty and the real meaning of service. This entire effort has proven one thing beyond doubt that where resolve is firm, no difficulty, however great, can block the path of human service by Indian Army,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said Operation Drishti had also been expanded beyond Jammu and Kashmir. According to figures cited during the ceremony, more than 1.5 lakh people have undergone eye examinations and over 3,500 surgeries have been performed across 10 cities under the initiative.
Sinha said the Army’s healthcare outreach had contributed to strengthening its engagement with communities, particularly in areas where access to specialised medical facilities remains difficult.
“Indian Army is not only a force that defends the country from external threats, but also a source of support, compassion and healing for ordinary citizens of Jammu Kashmir in times of need. By restoring sight, the Army has given patients a new vision of peace, trust, and togetherness,” he said.
He said the Srinagar camp marked another stage in the programme rather than its conclusion, expressing confidence that similar medical outreach would reach more villages and towns.
“The experience of Operation Drishti gives us confidence that with determination, better planning and compassion, modern medicine can be delivered to every corner of the country,” Sinha said.
During the ceremony, Sinha felicitated doctors and medical staff of the Defence Forces for their services during the camps and distributed post-operative kits among beneficiaries.
Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps; Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital Research and Referral; Brigadier B.V. Rao, Commandant, 92 Base Hospital, and senior Defence Forces officials attended the ceremony.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, SSP Srinagar Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar AkshayLabroo were also present.
