Overview
The Operation DRISHTI has begun a Mega Advanced Surgical Eye Camp at Military Hospital Namkum, Ranchi. Running from June 15‑19, 2026, the camp aims to deliver more than 200 free advanced eye surgeries to ex‑servicemen, their dependents, and under‑privileged civilians.
Key Developments
- Specialised ophthalmic team from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force deployed to Ranchi.
- Team led by Brigadier Dr Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Consultant and Head of Department (Ophthalmology), Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi.
- Procedures include Phacoemulsification for cataract, MIGS, and Anti‑VEGF Intravitreal Injections for vitreo‑retinal disorders.
- All essential surgical equipment was air‑lifted to Ranchi by IAF service aircraft.
- Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, DGAFMS, highlighted the dual role of the military as a defender and a humanitarian actor.
Important Facts
- Previous camps under the same programme have been held in eight locations: Leh, Ladakh; Lakshadweep; Bhuj, Kutch; and Bagdogra.
- The camp targets ex‑servicemen, serving personnel dependents, and civilians from economically weaker sections.
- Advanced equipment and skilled surgeons enable procedures that are otherwise unavailable in remote regions.
- The initiative reflects the Armed Forces’ commitment to social resilience and health security.
Exam Relevance
For GS 2 (Polity), the camp illustrates inter‑service coordination and the role of the DGAFMS in civilian outreach. For GS 3 (Economy & Health), it showcases the use of high‑technology medical interventions like Phacoemulsification and Anti‑VEGF therapy, highlighting health‑care delivery in underserved areas. For GS 4 (Ethics), the humanitarian dimension underscores the ethical responsibility of the armed forces to contribute to nation‑building beyond defence.
Way Forward
- Scale up similar camps in other remote districts to bridge the urban‑rural eye‑care gap.
- Institutionalise a joint Indian Army‑Indian Air Force medical task‑force for rapid deployment of equipment.
- Integrate camp outcomes with national health programmes such as the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) for sustained impact.
- Document and share best practices to inform policy on defence‑led humanitarian initiatives.