Barwani botched surgery: MP health dept to receive forensic report soon

The MP health department is likely to receive the forensic report on the botched Barwani eye surgery case this week. At least 60 patients who had undergone a cataract

The MP health department is likely to receive the forensic report on the botched Barwani eye surgery case this week. At least 60 patients who had undergone a cataract surgery in an eye camp in Barwani in November last year had lost vision in one eye after the operation.

At least 60 patients who had undergone a cataract surgery in an eye camp in Barwani in November last year had lost vision in one eye after the operation. (File photo)

The administration had sent samples of the eye wash, instruments, gloves and other medicines used in the surgeries for analysis to a Kolkata laboratory to ascertain the reason behind the fungal infection that lead to loss of eyesight among the patients.

Principal secretary (health), Gauri Singh, said, “The test reports will reach us by Saturday.” She said there was a delay in receiving the laboratory test reports as the lab had a busy year ending schedule.

The samples were sent for lab tests soon after the news broke that more than 20 people were suffering from infection leading to blindness. The number rose to 60 within a week’s time after which an inquiry was set up by the Union health ministry.

A two-member committee from National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) had earlier indicated that the eye wash manufactured by Beryl diagnostics was the source of infection. It had also cited poor hygiene in the operation theatre as one of the several reasons behind the infection.

Nineteen drugs rated as substandard by the state health department were also banned in the state. Senior opthalmologist Dr RS Palod was suspended along with the staff in this matter. Though no action has been taken on the purchasing committee, which had selected the drug so far, it might face action if the drugs are found substandard.

“The report is extremely crucial as it will clear the air about the person(s) responsible in this case. Also it will be used to predict the future of the diagnostic company from where the drugs were procured,” said Dr Sharad Pandit, joint director of health, Indore.

OUT OF SIGHT

At least 60 patients who had undergone a cataract surgery in an eye camp in Barwani in November last year had lost vision in one eye after the operation. A two-member committee from National Programme for Control of Blindness had earlier indicated that the eye wash manufactured by Beryl diagnostics was the source of infection.