Operation Drishti: AFMS Performs 220 Sight-Restoring Surgeries at LoC Underground OT in Tangdhar

In a remarkable display of operational medical capability and humanitarian outreach, the surgeons of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) successfully carried out 220 sight-restoring surgeries at an underground operation theatre in Tangdhar, Kupwara. Located along the sensitive Line of Control (LoC) in a shelling-prone zone of Jammu & Kashmir, this landmark event marked the 10th edition of the first-of-its-kind Mega Eye Surgical Camp held under 'Operation Drishti' on September 24 and 25, 2026. The camp brought advanced ophthalmic care directly to citizens residing in India's most challenging terrain, reinforcing the Indian military's unwavering commitment to the welfare of border communities.

Key Highlights & Major Announcements

• Milestone Surgeries: 220 sight-restoring procedures completed over two days, predominantly cataract surgeries alongside selective retinal procedures and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
• Strategic Location: Conducted in an underground operation theatre in Tangdhar, Kupwara, a high-altitude and shelling-prone border zone along the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir.
• High-Level Leadership Visit: Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth and DG AFMS Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja visited the camp to interact with patients and commend the medical team.
• Expert Medical Team: Led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Head of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi Cantt, transporting advanced phacoemulsification, vitreoretinal, and glaucoma equipment over harsh mountainous terrain.
• National Scale Impact: AFMS mega eye surgical camps—envisaged by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh—have screened over 1.50 lakh patients and conducted more than 3,500 surgeries across 10 cities.
• Upcoming Schedule: The 11th camp is scheduled in Srinagar from September 27 to 29, 2026, with the formal closing ceremony graced by J&K Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on September 30, 2026.

Contextual Analysis: Bringing Specialized Healthcare to the Frontlines

Healthcare accessibility in remote, mountainous, and security-sensitive border regions has historically posed severe logistical challenges. The residents of Kupwara district, particularly in remote hamlets such as Khawarpora, Tangdar, Tadd, Bagbela, and Yangdar, often face severe geographic barriers when seeking specialized medical attention for complex ailments like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal disorders.

Overcoming Geographic and Logistical Barriers

Under Operation Drishti, the Armed Forces Medical Services bridge this critical healthcare gap by deploying elite medical professionals and state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment directly to the doorsteps of remote border populations. Transporting delicate phacoemulsification units, vitreoretinal tools, and sophisticated glaucoma apparatus across treacherous mountainous terrain requires meticulous military precision and logistical excellence.

Furthermore, community mobilization played a pivotal role in the success of the 10th edition. Through localized screening drives and informational broadcasts via 'Radio Rooh-e-Karnah', local residents were informed well in advance. The Indian Army personally guided patients through every step of the medical journey—from initial arrival and diagnosis to post-operative recovery and medication distribution.

"The relentless dedication of the Armed Forces Medical Services under Operation Drishti exemplifies the Indian military's holistic mission: defending the nation's borders while simultaneously healing and uplifting its citizens in the remotest frontiers." — Official Ministry of Defence Release Summary

Significance & National Impact

The success of Operation Drishti in Tangdhar highlights the broader vision of the Ministry of Defence under the guidance of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. By taking advanced surgical interventions directly to vulnerable populations living along volatile borders, the government ensures that no citizen is left behind due to geography or economic constraints.

With over 1.50 lakh patients screened and more than 3,500 successful surgeries conducted across 10 cities so far, Operation Drishti has transformed from a localized medical initiative into a national movement of healing. As the campaign prepares for its 11th edition in Srinagar—culminating in a grand closing ceremony led by J&K Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha—it sets a new benchmark for civil-military cooperation and accessible healthcare delivery in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Operation Drishti?

Operation Drishti is a landmark healthcare initiative spearheaded by the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) to conduct mega eye surgical camps, providing advanced sight-restoring surgeries and treatments to underserved populations in remote and border regions across India.

2. Where was the 10th Mega Eye Surgical Camp held?

The 10th edition was held on September 24 and 25, 2026, at an underground operation theatre in Tangdhar, located in the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir along the Line of Control.

3. Who led the medical team during the Tangdhar camp?

The surgical camp was led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Head of Ophthalmology at the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi Cantonment, supported by a specialized team of military surgeons and local medical staff.

4. What is the scale of the Operation Drishti initiative nationwide?

To date, AFMS mega surgical eye camps have successfully screened over 1.50 lakh patients and performed more than 3,500 surgeries across 10 cities, with ongoing expansions into regions like Srinagar.

Official Source & Verification

This article is grounded on the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India (Release ID: 2314970, Ministry of Defence). Access the official document: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2314970&lang=1.