Operation DRISHTI Eye Camp in Ranchi (June 15‑19, 2026): 200+ Free Advanced Surgeries by Indian Army & Air Force
The Ministry of Defence’s <span class="key-term" data-definition="Operation DRISHTI — a flagship outreach programme of the Armed Forces Medical Services that provides advanced eye care to remote and underserved areas (GS4: Ethics & Governance)">Operation DRISHTI</span> has launched a Mega Advanced Surgical Eye Camp in Ranchi (June 15‑19, 2026), offering over 200 free eye surgeries by an Indian Army‑Indian Air Force team. The camp underscores the armed forces’ dual role in national security and humanitarian health service, a point of relevance for UPSC topics on defence policy, health infrastructure, and ethical governance.
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. UPSC 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.
Quick Reference
Key Insight
Defence forces deliver 200+ free advanced eye surgeries in Ranchi, showcasing health‑care outreach.
Key Facts
- Operation DRISHTI eye camp was held at Military Hospital Namkum, Ranchi from 15‑19 June 2026.
- More than 200 free advanced eye surgeries were performed for ex‑servicemen, dependents and under‑privileged civilians.
- The ophthalmic team comprised specialists from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, led by Brigadier Dr Sanjay Kumar Mishra.
- Surgeries included phacoemulsification for cataract, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and anti‑VEGF intravitreal injections for retinal disorders.
- All surgical equipment was air‑lifted to Ranchi by Indian Air Force service aircraft.
- Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), highlighted the humanitarian role of the armed forces.
- Earlier DRISHTI camps were conducted in eight remote locations such as Leh, Lakshadweep, Bhuj and Bagdogra.
Background
The camp demonstrates how the Armed Forces Medical Services use their expertise and logistics to fill health‑care gaps in remote areas. It links to the UPSC syllabus on civil‑military cooperation, health security and the ethical duty of the state to provide services to vulnerable citizens.
UPSC Syllabus
- GS4 — Work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, corruption
- GS3 — Various security forces and agencies
- Essay — Youth, Health and Welfare
Mains Angle
GS‑3 (Health) – discuss the role of defence forces in augmenting public health delivery in underserved regions. GS‑4 (Ethics) – evaluate the moral responsibility of the military in nation‑building beyond defence.