Medical Negligence Alleged at Navi Mumbai Eye Hospital
Navi Mumbai: The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has initiated a formal inquiry following allegations of medical negligence at Dr. Pandit Eye Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Five patients reportedly developed severe eye infections and subsequently lost their vision after undergoing cataract surgeries at the facility.
Doctors Summoned for Explanation
The MMC has asked the two accused ophthalmologists—a father-son duo—to provide clarifications and will summon them soon for a hearing to present their statements on the allegations. The council has also requested an explanation from the private hospital involved in the case.
MMC’s Authority and Legacy
As Maharashtra’s oldest regulatory medical body and successor to the historic Bombay Medical Council (established in 1912), the MMC holds the power to suspend or revoke licenses of doctors found guilty of professional misconduct.
Official Confirmation and Ongoing Inquiry
MMC administrator Dr. Vinky Rughwani confirmed to Midday that hearings will be scheduled soon. Speaking to the Free Press Journal, Dr. Rughwani stated, “The matter is being treated with utmost seriousness. The inquiry process has already begun. Since police are also investigating, further details cannot be disclosed at this stage.”
Details of the Incident and Investigation
We reported that the five patients contracted severe eye infections caused by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium after cataract surgeries conducted between December 2024 and March 2025. The accused doctors allegedly performed surgeries without renewing their licenses with the MMC, raising serious safety concerns.
One victim, a 67-year-old diabetic man, lost vision in his left eye post-surgery in March. Following his complaint to police and MMC, it emerged that four other patients who underwent surgeries at the hospital in the same period suffered similar vision loss.
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Launches Separate Probe
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has opened an independent investigation. Reports reveal the senior ophthalmologist, aged 87, has a history of disciplinary action. In 2016, he was suspended from his civic health department role after multiple complaints but was reinstated in 2017. Currently, he is on leave following the recent FIR.
An NMMC Health Department official is investigating how the senior doctor operated a private hospital while still employed by the NMMC.
