Hisar: A startling case has emerged from Hisar Civil Hospital, where a doctor, identified as Dr. Vijay, performed 44 eye surgeries despite not having completed his medical degree. Appointed as an eye surgeon, Dr. Vijay has yet to pass his postgraduate exams, leading the Health Department to bar him from further surgeries.
The eye department of Hisar Civil Hospital, which typically performs over 1,000 surgeries annually, has only conducted 71 surgeries in the past 11 months. Concerns were raised when no surgeries were performed for four consecutive months, bringing the issue to light.
How the Incident Came to Light
Dr. Vijay was assigned as an eye surgeon by the Health Department, despite his incomplete qualifications. Intervention by the deputy director of the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) eventually led to orders halting his surgical responsibilities. However, by the time these directives were enforced, Dr. Vijay had already performed 44 surgeries.
Staff Shortages as a Root Cause
The crisis stemmed from a severe shortage of qualified surgeons in the hospital’s eye department. Earlier, three surgeons resigned to join private hospitals, leaving the department critically understaffed. In an effort to address the gap, Dr. Vijay, who was still pursuing his postgraduate degree, was tasked with performing surgeries under the supervision of Dr. Jyoti, an experienced eye surgeon from Hansi Civil Hospital. Between April and July, Dr. Jyoti conducted 27 surgeries, while Dr. Vijay performed 44.
When Dr. Jyoti was promoted and transferred, Dr. Vijay was left to manage the department alone, prompting the NPCB to step in and halt the surgeries. Following this, Dr. Vijay went on extended leave.
Impact on Patients
The lack of qualified eye surgeons has disrupted vital procedures such as cataract surgeries, treatments for children’s retinopathy, and squint corrections. Patients are now being referred to Agroha Medical College or private hospitals, increasing their financial burden and causing inconvenience.
Health Department’s Assurance
Dr. Sapna Gehlawat, Chief Medical Officer of Hisar, confirmed that Dr. Vijay has not yet completed his postgraduate exams. A doctor from Agroha Medical College has been deputed to handle outpatient services in the eye department temporarily. Dr. Gehlawat assured that Dr. Vijay would be eligible to perform surgeries only after passing his exams and obtaining state approval.