Srinagar, Sep 23 (KNS): The Indian Army, under the aegis of Chinar Corps and in coordination with the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), is set to conduct a seven-day specialised medical outreach initiative, "Operation Drishti", to provide advanced ophthalmic care to underprivileged civilians and veterans in the remote areas of Tangdhar.

According to a statement issued, The mega cataract surgery camp will be held from September 23 to 30 and is aimed at providing specialised eye care to people living in difficult and remote terrain.

As part of the initiative, extensive screening camps were conducted by 92 Base Hospital at several far-flung locations, including Tangdhar, Uri, Bandipora, Khanabal, Kangan, Dawar and Baramulla.

Through the screening exercise, 400 patients were identified and shortlisted for cataract surgery, the Army said.

A specialised surgical team from Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, led by Brigadier (Dr) Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Head of Ophthalmology, has been mobilised for the initiative.

The Army said advanced diagnostic equipment and micro-surgical setups had been deployed to provide high-quality cataract treatment to the beneficiaries free of cost.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The surgical procedures will be carried out by the specialist team in coordination with 92 Base Hospital and various medical and non-medical units.

The eye camp will be conducted in two phases.

In the first phase on September 24 and 25, 200 patients will undergo surgery at the underground Forward Surgical Centre (UG FSC) of the Ex 328 Field Hospital in Tangdhar.

In the second phase on September 28 and 29, another 200 patients will undergo surgery at 92 Base Hospital, BB Cantonment, Srinagar.

The Army said the initiative was aimed at taking advanced medical care to the doorstep of people in remote and dispersed habitations and addressing the shortage of specialised ophthalmic facilities in such areas.

It said Operation Drishti reflected the Army's continued commitment to healthcare outreach under Operation Sadbhavana and would further strengthen the bond of goodwill between the armed forces and people of the Kashmir Valley.

The initiative is being coordinated by the Chinar Corps in association with DGAFMS and the participating Army medical and non-medical units.(KNS)