LG Sinha attends closing ceremony of Indian Army’s Mega Eye Surgery Camp under Operation Drishti
SRINAGAR, SEPT, 30 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the closing ceremony of the 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp organised under Operation Drishti, commending the Indian Army and Armed Forces Medical Services for conducting vision-restoring surgeries for patients in Srinagar and Tangdhar.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that 364 surgeries were successfully performed during the camps, including 144 surgeries in Srinagar and 220 at Tangdhar in Kupwara district.
Addressing the gathering, LG Sinha described Operation Drishti as an initiative reflecting service, compassion, courage and determination. He appreciated the efforts of the Indian Army, medical teams and support staff involved in conducting the surgeries, particularly under challenging conditions in Tangdhar.
The Tangdhar camp marked a significant milestone as the first mega eye surgery camp conducted in the border area. Despite difficult terrain and logistical challenges, doctors and soldiers established an underground operation theatre and performed 220 surgeries in two days.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that modern surgical equipment was airlifted to Tangdhar, enabling patients from Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Bagbella and surrounding villages to access advanced eye-care facilities closer to their homes.
LG Sinha said the 364 surgeries represented more than statistics, describing them as transformed lives, restored dignity and renewed hope for the beneficiaries. He also highlighted that, at the national level, Operation Drishti has facilitated eye examinations for more than 1.5 lakh people and over 3,500 surgeries across 10 cities.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the doctors, support staff, Air Force pilots and soldiers involved in transporting equipment, preparing medical facilities and ensuring the successful conduct of surgeries in challenging locations.
He said the initiative demonstrated the role of the Army in providing healthcare support to communities while also strengthening trust and human connections. He expressed confidence that similar healthcare outreach would reach more villages and remote areas in the future.
During the ceremony, LG Sinha felicitated doctors and medical staff of the Defence Forces for their services and distributed post-operative kits among beneficiaries.
Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, GOC Chinar Corps; Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant and HOD, Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital R&R; 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, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo and other officials were also present.
