Srinagar, Sep 30 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday lauded the Indian Army’s healthcare outreach in Jammu and Kashmir, saying 364 people regained their vision following eye surgeries conducted under Operation Drishti in Srinagar and Tangdhar.
Sinha attended the closing ceremony of the 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp organised under Operation Drishti in Srinagar.
A total of 144 surgeries were performed at the Srinagar camp, while 220 patients underwent vision-restoring procedures at Tangdhar in Kupwara district, officials said.
The LG praised the Army, doctors of the Armed Forces Medical Services and support staff for conducting the surgeries, particularly in the difficult terrain of Tangdhar.
He said the Tangdhar camp was the first mega eye surgery camp conducted along the border and described it as a “historic milestone”.
“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 danger,” Sinha said.
He said modern surgical equipment was airlifted to Tangdhar, enabling advanced eye-care facilities for people from Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Bagbella and adjoining villages.
The LG said the surgeries were not merely medical statistics but had transformed the lives of beneficiaries by restoring their vision, dignity and hope.
At the national level, more than 1.5 lakh people have undergone eye examinations and over 3,500 surgeries have been performed across 10 cities under Operation Drishti, he said.
Sinha said the Army was not only responsible for defending the country but also played an important role in providing healthcare and support to people in Jammu and Kashmir.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and appreciated the efforts of Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra and his team.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Air Force pilots, soldiers and support staff involved in transporting equipment, preparing facilities and facilitating the surgeries in challenging conditions.
The LG said the 11th camp in Srinagar was not the end of Operation Drishti and expressed confidence that the initiative would reach more villages and towns across the country.
During the event, Sinha felicitated doctors and medical staff of the Defence forces and distributed post-operative kits among beneficiaries.
GOC Chinar Corps Lt Gen Balbir Singh, Senior Consultant and Head of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (R&R) Brig Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Commandant 92 Base Hospital Brig B V Rao and senior civil and defence officials were present at the event.—(NVI)
