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Restores Sight to Over 320 Citizens Through Four-Day Surgical Mission at Military Hospital Namkum
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.
Minister of State for Defence 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, 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 General Yash Singh Ahlawat, GOC 17 Corps, Major General 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.
