Responding to a severe humanitarian and medical crisis
In 2016, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a severe humanitarian and medical crisis following widespread civil unrest. To control the riots, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces had to use pellet guns, tear gas shells, and rubber bullets on the protesters.
To minimize casualties while trying to control the Kashmiri agitators, our security forces used pellet guns, which although billed as "non-lethal", led to a high number of injuries. This is because when pellet cartridges burst, hundreds of tiny metallic particles jet out and penetrate skin and eyes, rupturing them before getting lodged.
This resulted in thousands of serious eye injuries, many leading to retinal damage and permanent loss of vision. At that time, the Valley faced an acute shortage of specialised eye surgeons capable of treating such complex injuries.
With support from the Health Department and SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, BWF facilitated the deployment of a specialised medical team and covered all logistical requirements, including travel, accommodation, security, and operational costs.
The surgical team of experienced retina surgeons was led by Padma Shri awardee Dr. Sundaram Natarajan and Dr. Shanmugam.
Beginning 26 July 2016, surgeries were conducted at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar. Over a short span of time, the team successfully performed more than 1,100 free retinal surgeries on pellet-injured patients.
Alongside surgical care, local doctors were trained to manage similar critical cases, strengthening in-region medical capacity.
"I am feeling relieved as I heard while doctor was operating me that the pellet in the eye is taken out, 'you are ok'."
— Patient after successful retinal surgery
For many patients, the intervention restored not only medical care but also hope. The successful removal of pellets and restoration of vision brought immense relief to patients and their families who had feared permanent blindness.
Recognising the complexity of pellet injuries and the need for long-term care, BWF also facilitated follow-up visits by the surgical team. Dr. Natarajan named the initiative "Splendid Kashmir", and conducted periodic follow-up camps to monitor recovery and provided continued treatment.
Then Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti appreciated the efforts and expressed gratitude for the initiative.
Watch our videos to see the impact of Splendid Kashmir initiative
Your support helps us respond to medical crises, providing specialized surgical care, training local doctors, and restoring hope to those affected by emergencies.
