SRINAGAR, SEPT 23: The Indian Army, under the aegis of Chinar Corps, has launched Operation Drishti, a seven-day mega cataract surgery camp aimed at providing specialised ophthalmic care free of cost to underprivileged civilians and veterans living in remote areas of Kashmir.
The initiative, being conducted in coordination with the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), commenced today and will continue till September 30.
As part of the outreach programme, extensive screening camps were conducted by 92 Base Hospital at Tangdhar, Uri, Bandipora, Khanabal, Kangan, Dawar and Baramulla, through which 400 patients have been identified and shortlisted for cataract surgery.
A specialised surgical team from Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, led by Brigadier (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Head of Ophthalmology, has been mobilised for the operation. Advanced diagnostic equipment and micro-surgical facilities have also been deployed to provide high-quality treatment to the beneficiaries.
The surgeries will be conducted in two phases. On September 24-25, around 200 patients will undergo surgery at the Underground Forward Surgical Centre of Ex-328 Field Hospital, Tangdhar, while another 200 patients will be operated upon at 92 Base Hospital, BB Cantonment, Srinagar, on September 28-29.
The Army said the initiative is aimed at taking advanced eye-care services to the doorstep of people residing in remote and difficult terrains, where access to specialised ophthalmic facilities remains limited.
Operation Drishti is being undertaken as part of the Army’s continued healthcare outreach under Operation Sadbhavana and is intended to provide timely surgical intervention to cataract patients while strengthening the Army’s engagement with local communities in the Kashmir Valley.
