In a significant milestone in high-altitude medical care, the Indian Army completed 214 procedures during a four-day Advanced Surgical Eye Camp, ‘Op Netra 1.0’, at 153 General Hospital in Leh from April 27-30. The camp, inaugurated by GOC 14 Corps Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, saw the screening of 950 patients from seven districts of Ladakh, including remote areas like Chushul and Zanskar. Led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, the surgical team performed various procedures, including cataract surgeries and vitreo-retinal interventions, benefiting visually impaired patients.
The camp introduced the ‘Op Netra’ app developed by 153 General Hospital, aimed at enhancing patient management through digitization of records and QR code-based identification for surgical scheduling. This initiative aligns with a nationwide effort that has conducted over 2,500 sight-restoring surgeries since November 2025 in different locations across India. The Indian Air Force supported the mission by airlifting advanced medical equipment to maintain high standards of care in the challenging high-altitude environment.
The successful completion of ‘Op Netra 1.0’ underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing national interests and ensuring healthcare accessibility for all citizens. The closing ceremony was attended by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, marking the conclusion of the camp under the guidance of Director General Armed Forces Medical Services Vice Admiral Arti Sarin.
