Barwani eye surgeries: 3-member probe panel awaits lab test reports

A three-member panel probing the botched cataract surgeries in Barwani district that caused 50 patients to lose vision in one eye, is awaiting reports from laboratories to determine the cause behind the incident.

A three-member panel probing the botched cataract surgeries in Barwani district that caused 50 patients to lose vision in one eye, is awaiting reports from laboratories to determine the cause behind the incident.

As many as 50 persons lost vision in one eye after they contracted infection at the botched eye surgery camp in Barwani. (Shankar Mourya/File photo)

“To arrive at a conclusion, we need to have solid documents and therefore, we are awaiting reports of different microbiology laboratories, including in Kolkata and Delhi, where samples were sent for testing,” an official associated with the probe told reporters on Wednesday.

As many as 50 persons lost vision in one eye after they contracted severe infection at the government-run camp where 86 cataract surgeries were performed during November 16-21. According to reports, a sub-standard drug was used which led to the infection.

The probe panel comprises additional chief secretary, finance, the dean of Government MGM Medical College, and a microbiology department professor at All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Meanwhile, three NGOs — Swasthya Adhikar Manch, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, MP, and Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) — have raised questions over the ongoing probe.

“Most of the affected persons are tribals who are unable to read and write. They did not properly understand Hindi. We interacted with them in their language to know their ordeal and prepared an independent report on the basis of it. But the three member panel refused to entertain it,” alleged Amulya Nidhi who is associated with the Manch.

He demanded impartial probe into all aspects of the incident and strong punishment to those responsible for the botched up surgeries.