Udhampur,: A first-of-its-kind advanced surgical eye camp, ‘Op Drishti’, was successfully organized by Command Hospital, Northern Command, in collaboration with the surgical team from Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi, from 18–22 November 2025. The camp screened over 2,000 people and performed more than 400 complex surgeries, including procedures for cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal ailments.
Beneficiaries included serving personnel, their dependents, Veer Naris (war widows), and local civilians, hailing from far-flung regions of Jammu & Kashmir, including remote villages in Udhampur, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, and Ramban.
The surgical team, led by Brigadier SK Mishra, distinguished ophthalmic surgeon and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (R&R), brought unmatched expertise, having previously performed surgeries on two Presidents of India.
The camp’s closing ceremony saw Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh virtually addressing the gathering, lauding the Northern Command and Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) for their swift and lifesaving medical interventions in J&K. Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi also congratulated the AFMS and Northern Command for this unique initiative. Lieutenant Governor of J&K Shri Manoj Sinha attended the ceremony in person, along with GOC-in-C Northern Command Lt Gen Pratik Sharma.
During the camp, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences; PMO Dr Jitendra Singh visited on 20 November 2025, interacting with patients and touring the Department of Ophthalmology. He praised the Army’s dual role, highlighting that while their wartime service is exemplary, their contributions to humanitarian and healthcare missions in peace time are equally commendable.
The camp had transformative impacts on beneficiaries such as Shri Surinder Singh, 72, from Poonch, who overcame 2–3 years of blindness and personal trauma from Operation Sindoor shelling incidents. Another notable contributor, Abdullah Shafeeq, 56, retired soldier from Mendhar, played a pivotal role in facilitating these ophthalmological services for conflict-affected residents.
Among the most remarkable success stories is Rajkumari Devi, 96, who regained clear vision, exemplifying the life-changing outcomes of the initiative.
Op Drishti was conceptualized following a vision shared by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, in response to a request from Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha. Acting promptly, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi directed the DG AFMS and DG Medical Services (Army) to meticulously plan and implement the camp, ensuring world-class clinical care within the operational area of Udhampur.
This initiative highlights the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment not just to national security but also to the wellbeing of citizens, providing critical medical care to those in need across Jammu & Kashmir.
