Armed Forces Medical Services Treats 4,000 Patients at Rairangpur Camp

On November 4, 2026, the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) concluded its 12th edition of Operation DRISHTI at Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. This Mega Multi-Speciality Medical Camp provided free medical care to over 4,000 patients and performed 365 sight-restoring surgeries between November 2 and 4, 2026. The initiative aimed to bring advanced healthcare services closer to underserved populations in the region, showcasing the AFMS's commitment to humanitarian service.

During the camp, Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), visited the site to interact with patients receiving consultations and post-operative care. Thareja presented medicine kits to those who had undergone eye surgeries, emphasizing the importance of follow-up care. He praised the medical teams for their dedication, particularly in light of the challenging weather conditions caused by a cyclone that threatened to disrupt services.

"The commitment shown by our medical personnel in ensuring uninterrupted care, despite adverse weather, is commendable," Thareja stated. His presence underscored the AFMS's dedication to providing quality healthcare, even in difficult circumstances.

The Rairangpur Mega Multi-Speciality Medical Camp brought together specialists from various fields, including Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Nephrology, Dermatology, Dental, and General Medicine. Every patient who attended the camp received on-site medical attention, enabling them to undergo screenings, investigations, and treatments, with referrals for advanced care when necessary.

The Cardiology Department was particularly active, treating over 400 patients, conducting 298 ECGs and 406 echocardiograms, and identifying 29 patients who required advanced interventions such as angiography and valve surgery. Nephrology services treated over 400 patients and performed 341 ultrasound examinations, while Dermatology attended to more than 500 patients. The Dental team treated 221 patients and performed 198 procedures, and General Medicine addressed the needs of 339 patients.

Among the beneficiaries was 75-year-old Biswanath, who had been suffering from a complicated cataract due to an old eye injury. The surgical team successfully performed a manual small-incision cataract surgery with a scleral-fixated intraocular lens, restoring his vision. Another patient, 60-year-old Sombari Gope, had a dense cataract in a structurally small eye. Surgeons performed a similar procedure, ensuring the protection of her cornea and restoring her sight.

These success stories highlight the impact of the AFMS's efforts in providing specialized eye care to those in need. The camp not only restored sight but also improved the quality of life for many individuals in the region.

The Rairangpur camp marks a significant milestone in Operation DRISHTI, an initiative by the AFMS aimed at extending specialized eye care and advanced medical services to underserved regions across India. This operation reflects the AFMS's unwavering commitment to humanitarian service and its resolve to make quality healthcare accessible to all.

The camp was strategically located in Mayurbhanj, the home district of President Droupadi Murmu, further emphasizing its importance. The successful execution of the camp not only brought specialized treatment to the doorstep of the local population but also fostered a sense of community and support among the medical teams and patients alike.

The Rairangpur Mega Multi-Speciality Medical Camp exemplifies the Armed Forces Medical Services' dedication to providing comprehensive healthcare services, particularly in challenging environments. The successful treatment of over 4,000 patients and the performance of 365 sight-restoring surgeries are testaments to the AFMS's commitment to improving health outcomes in underserved regions.

As the AFMS continues to conduct such initiatives, it reinforces the importance of accessible healthcare and the role of military medical services in addressing public health challenges. The stories of patients like Biswanath and Sombari serve as powerful reminders of the impact that dedicated medical care can have on individuals and communities.