Eight elderly patients, who underwent a free cataract surgery at Indore’s Bombay Hospital in January, have lost their eyesight. They have lodged a complaint with the district administration officials.
Around 53 patients, all from Narmada Nagar of Khandwa district, about 120 km from here, were operated for cataract at a camp organised by the Narmada Hydro Electric Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC).
Eight of them lost their eyesight, partially or fully, after they experienced severe infection, inflammation and redness in the eyes in the last few days.
Two patients — Mohinuddin Khan, 47, and Ganpati Vishvakarma, 74 — have reported complete loss of eyesight.
“I went to the camp with vision problems and was advised to get a small operation at Indore to insert lens. I agreed to it but after the operation I realised that I lost my eye sight,” said 47-year-old Santosh Soni.
The patients said they had earlier approached the NHDC with their problem. But were shocked to see their callous attitude towards them.
“When we approached the NHDC officials, they said whatever happened was God’s wish,” Soni said.
The officials refused to comment saying they had only organised the camp. Doctors at the Bombay Hospital performed the surgery, they said.
{{/usCountry}}The officials refused to comment saying they had only organised the camp. Doctors at the Bombay Hospital performed the surgery, they said.
{{/usCountry}}Hospital authorities said the surgery was conducted successfully on all patients, who were discharged after administering eye drops and medicines.
“Eight patients have complained of some discomfort in their eyes. We are examining them,” said Rahul Parashar, general manager of Bombay Hospital. “The hospital will extend all possible help.”
Khandwa District Collector D.D. Agrawal has asked the NHDC officials to look into the matter and initiate appropriate action.