Srinagar, Sep 30 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday that ‘Operation Drishti’ was not just a medical camp, but a reflection of the Army’s courage, dedication, and resolve to serve the nation.
The L-G addressed the closing ceremony of Phase-II of the Mega Cataract Surgery Camp under ‘Op Drishti’ at Chinar Auditorium, Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar.
He said the 11th mega surgery camp had brought together patients, doctors, medical teams and the Army to provide quality eye care to people who otherwise face difficulties in accessing advanced treatment.
He said ‘Op Drishti’ was not merely a medical camp but reflected the Army’s service, courage, resolve and commitment to restoring dignity and improving the lives of people living in remote and border areas.
“I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. I also express my gratitude to the Army Chief and the medical teams”, he said.
He thanked the doctors, medical personnel, and support teams for their dedication to taking specialised treatment to difficult areas. He said the camp is an example of service, courage, resolve, and an effort to provide value to human life.
The L-G said 446 surgeries had been conducted under the initiative, including at Tangdhar in Kupwara, where army and medical teams provided treatment to residents of the border area.
He said those who have seen the mountainous terrain know how difficult it is. There are challenges of roads and even the risk of shelling.
He said medical teams, led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra and other officers, took up the challenge of conducting surgeries in an underground operation theatre in Tangdhar.
“Our doctors, medical colleagues and the entire team, along with Brigadier Sanjay Mishra ji and others, created such an arrangement and conducted surgeries in an underground OT,” he said.
The L-G said the initiative reflected a strong sense of duty and commitment, particularly as specialised medical infrastructure and equipment had to be taken to border areas.
He said he had been informed that the Tangdhar initiative was the 10th camp and was unique because of its location along the border.
The equipment and tools were airlifted there, and people from adjoining areas were able to reach the camp and receive treatment with the support of the Army and its personnel.
“It was the first time for many residents of border areas to access such advanced medical treatment. The initiative was an example of how healthcare can transform lives,” he said.
More than 1.5 lakh eye screenings had been conducted under the initiative, with eye-check-up facilities reaching people in remote areas.
L-G Sinha said the campaign had also strengthened the bond between the Army and local communities. “The Indian Army has always stood with the country and the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir in times of need. Its support and presence are of immense importance,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the Army had not merely provided medical treatment but had also extended a sense of companionship and support to people living in difficult areas. “The Army has not returned after completing its work; it has given the vision of standing with the people,” he said.
–IANS
sq/dpb