**Executive Summary**
Operation DRISHTI concluded its 9th Mega Surgical Advanced Eye Camp at Military Hospital, Namkum, Ranchi, between June 15–19, 2026, restoring sight to over 320 citizens. Conducted by a joint Indian Army and Indian Air Force ophthalmic team, the mission screened over 2,500 patients and provided specialized surgeries to veterans and underprivileged tribal populations. This initiative reflects the military's ongoing commitment to national healthcare outreach, reaching a cumulative milestone of 75,000 screenings nationwide.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Camp Achievements and Statistics**
* Conducted more than 300 sight-restoring procedures, including 260 cataract surgeries.
* Screened over 2,500 patients during the four-day mission in Jharkhand.
* Prioritized inclusivity by treating over 100 underprivileged tribal patients and civilians with no military entitlement.
**Advanced Medical Interventions**
* Performed advanced Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS) and surgical management of diabetic retinopathy.
* Administered sight-saving Anti-VEGF injections and utilized phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation.
* Deployed a specialized ophthalmic team from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force to ensure high standards of care.
**Operation DRISHTI Program Scope**
* Established in December 2024 in Dehradun, the initiative has now completed nine mega camps across India.
* Cumulative impact includes 75,000 screenings and 3,000+ surgeries in locations such as Jaipur, Bagdogra, Udhampur, Lakshadweep, Bhuj, Gorakhpur, and Leh-Ladakh.
* The program is recognized as one of India’s largest sustained military medical outreach initiatives.
**Impact Analysis**
**Underprivileged Tribal Residents**
**Impact:**
Gained access to advanced, high-standard ophthalmic surgeries and treatments that were previously inaccessible, regardless of their lack of military connection or entitlement.
**Action Required:**
Eligible individuals in outreach zones should participate in screening processes during future camp installments.
**Veterans and Their Families**
**Impact:**
Received specialized care and vision restoration, reaffirming the military's commitment to the welfare of former service members and their dependents.
**Action Required:**
Beneficiaries should continue to utilize military hospital facilities for post-operative follow-ups and welfare support.
**Army Medical Corps and Armed Forces**
**Impact:**
Demonstrated exceptional clinical expertise, professionalism, and the successful execution of large-scale humanitarian missions under the principle of "Seva Paramo Dharmah."
**Action Required:**
The specialized ophthalmic teams must continue to plan and expand the program to additional nationwide locations as part of the sustained outreach strategy.
Key Entities Referenced
Operation DRISHTI: A sustained military medical outreach initiative providing specialized ophthalmic care and sight-restoring surgeries to veterans and underprivileged citizens across India.
Military Hospital Namkum, Ranchi, Jharkhand: The specific facility and location where Jharkhand’s largest-ever mega eye surgical camp was conducted as part of the nationwide mission.
Army Medical Corps: The medical branch of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for the execution, clinical expertise, and technical management of the surgical camps.
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin: Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) who is credited with driving the nationwide expansion and outreach efforts of the initiative.
Ministry of Defence
Jharkhand’s Largest-Ever Mega Eye Surgical
Camp Concludes Under Operation DRISHTI
Restores Sight to Over 320 Citizens Through Four-Day
Surgical Mission at Military Hospital Namkum
Posted On: 19 JUN 2026 5:52PM by PIB Delhi
A specialised ophthalmic team from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force has successfully conducted the
9th Mega Surgical Advanced Eye Camp under Operation DRISHTI at Military Hospital, Namkum, Ranchi
between June 15-19, 2026.
Over 2,500 patients were screened and more than 300 sight-restoring procedures were performed,
including over 260 cataract surgeries, of which more than 100 benefited underprivileged tribal patients.
The camp also provided advanced Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS), surgical management
of diabetic retinopathy and sight-saving Anti-VEGF injections.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth who presided over the valedictory ceremony, praised the dedication
and professionalism of the Operation DRISHTI team. Describing the initiative as “a living example of our
resolve of Seva Paramo Dharmah,” he stated that the programme represents not only an expansion of
healthcare services but also a demonstration of the exceptional skill, commitment and expertise of the
Army Medical Corps. Highlighting the cumulative impact of mission DRISHT since its inception, the
RRM noted that more than 75,000 patients have been screened and over 3,000 sight-restoring surgeries
performed nationwide.At 68, Smt. Ekka, widow of the late Ex-Havildar Jon Augustus Ekka of the Bihar Regiment, arrived at the
camp with a cataract that had significantly impaired vision in her right eye. Through a successful
phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation procedure, her sight was restored, reaffirming the
Army’s enduring commitment to the welfare of veterans’ families.
Another beneficiary, 63-year-old Eliza Beth, a tribal resident of Ranchi with no military connection,
received treatment for a cataract in her right eye through a successful phacoemulsification procedure. For
her, access to advanced ophthalmic care became a reality through Operation DRISHTI’s commitment to
serving all sections of society.
Similarly, Ashok Deshmukh, a 50-year-old tribal resident of Jharkhand, underwent successful cataract
surgery under the programme. Despite having no military entitlement, he received the same standard of
advanced medical care as serving personnel and veterans, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the initiative.
The camp was inaugurated on June 15, 2026 by Director General Armed Forces Medical Services Vice
Admiral Arti Sarin, whose vision has been instrumental in driving Operation DRISHTI’s nationwide
outreach efforts. The closing ceremony was attended by Lt Gen Yash Singh Ahlawat, GOC 17 Corps, Maj
Gen Jyotindu Debnath, MG Med, HQ Eastern Command and other senior dignitaries. The surgical efforts
were led by Brigadier (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Head of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research &
Referral), Delhi Cantt.
Since its inaugural edition in Dehradun in December 2024, Operation DRISHTI has expanded across the
country through camps in Jaipur, Bagdogra, Udhampur, Lakshadweep, Bhuj, Gorakhpur and Leh-Ladakh.
With Ranchi becoming the ninth location, the initiative has established itself as one of the largest sustained
military medical outreach programmes in India.
****
VK/SR/Ruchi
(Release ID: 2275310) Visitor Counter : 483
Read this release in: Urdu , ही