Rairangpur, Odisha, November 6: The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) successfully conducted the 12th edition of Operation DRISHTI, a three-day Mega Multi-Speciality Medical Camp in Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, providing free medical treatment to more than 4,000 patients and performing 365 sight-restoring eye surgeries between November 2 and 4, 2026.
The medical camp brought specialist healthcare services to underserved communities, offering consultations, diagnostic investigations, surgical procedures and medicines free of cost. The initiative aimed to improve access to advanced medical treatment for residents who otherwise face difficulties obtaining specialised healthcare.
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), visited the camp on November 4 and interacted with patients receiving medical consultations and post-operative care. He also distributed medicine kits to patients who had undergone eye surgeries.
During his visit, Air Marshal Thareja appreciated the dedication of the medical teams, who continued providing uninterrupted healthcare services despite challenging weather conditions caused by a cyclone.
The camp featured specialists from Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Nephrology, Dermatology, Dental and General Medicine, ensuring that patients could access multiple medical services at a single location. Every patient reporting to the camp received on-site medical attention, while those requiring advanced procedures were referred for further treatment.
The Cardiology Department examined more than 400 patients and conducted 298 electrocardiograms (ECGs) and 406 echocardiograms. Medical specialists identified 29 patients requiring advanced cardiac interventions, including angiography, CT angiography, valve surgery, device implantation and balloon pulmonary valvotomy.
The Nephrology Department treated over 400 patients and performed 341 ultrasound examinations, while dermatologists attended to more than 500 patients. The Dental Department treated 221 patients and carried out 198 procedures, and the General Medicine Department provided consultations to 339 patients.
Among the beneficiaries was 75-year-old Biswanath, who had been suffering from a complicated cataract following an old eye injury. AFMS surgeons successfully performed manual small-incision cataract surgery with the implantation of a scleral-fixated intraocular lens, offering him the possibility of improved vision.
Another patient, 60-year-old Sombari Gope, had a dense cataract in a structurally small eye. The surgical team successfully performed cataract surgery with a posterior chamber intraocular lens while taking precautions to protect the cornea.
The medical camp was organised in Rairangpur, the hometown of President Droupadi Murmu, adding special significance to the humanitarian initiative.
Operation DRISHTI is an initiative of the Armed Forces Medical Services aimed at extending specialised eye care and advanced medical services to underserved regions across India. The successful completion of its 12th edition highlights the role of military medical professionals in providing essential healthcare beyond their regular responsibilities of serving the Armed Forces.
By treating thousands of patients and conducting hundreds of sight-restoring surgeries in just three days, the AFMS demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian service and making quality medical care accessible to communities in remote and underserved areas.
