18 Patients Suffer Severe Post-Operative Infections
In a shocking incident in Gorakhpur, nine patients reportedly lost vision in one eye, while another nine had to undergo removal of the infected eye after developing complications following cataract surgeries at a private hospital. The incident has triggered administrative action and a formal inquiry.
Surgeries Conducted During Eye Camp
30 Patients Operated on February 1
The surgeries were performed on February 1 at New Rajesh Hitech Hospital during a special eye camp where 30 patients underwent cataract procedures. Within 24 hours, several patients began experiencing severe pain, swelling, and discharge from the operated eye.
Rapid Spread of Infection
18 Patients Referred to Major Cities
According to a report by Press Trust of India, at least 18 patients developed serious infections and were referred to hospitals in Delhi, Lucknow, and Varanasi as their conditions deteriorated. Officials confirmed that while one patient partially regained vision, others suffered irreversible damage.
Allegations of Early Discharge
Patients Claim Negligence in Post-Operative Care
Many of the surgeries were conducted under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Patients alleged they were discharged just hours after surgery and developed complications the following day. Families have raised concerns about inadequate monitoring and post-operative care.
Hospital Sealed, Inquiry Ordered
District Administration Steps In
District Magistrate Deepak Meena confirmed that the hospital has been sealed and a magisterial inquiry has been ordered. He stated that strict action would be taken if any negligence is established, including cancellation of the hospital’s registration.
Health Officials Call It Serious Lapse
Bacterial Infection Confirmed
Chief Medical Officer Dr Rajesh Jha termed the incident a “serious lapse” and assured further action after the inquiry report. A culture test conducted by the health department has confirmed the presence of bacterial infection, pointing toward possible lapses in sterilisation or surgical protocols.
Critical Cases Shifted to Tertiary Hospitals
Eyes Removed to Prevent Spread
Some of the worst-affected patients are undergoing treatment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi and hospitals in Lucknow and Varanasi. In several cases, doctors had to remove the infected eye to prevent the infection from spreading further and causing life-threatening complications.
Patients Share Their Ordeal
Fear and Trauma Among Victims
One patient, Paradeshi, said doctors at AIIMS Delhi informed him that he had permanently lost vision in the operated eye and that removal might be necessary depending on reports. Sahwan Ali from Gola said she experienced bleeding a day after surgery and later had one eye removed in Delhi. Shankarawati of Rahdauli, whose eye was removed in Varanasi, expressed fear of losing sight in her remaining eye, while her family has warned of legal action if further harm occurs.
