10 victims of botched-up cataract surgery in Muzaffarpur brought to IGIMS

PATNA: Ten victims of the botched-up cataract surgery in Eye Hospital at Juran Chhapra in Muzaffarpur were admitted to IGIMS on Friday. While seven were seriously infected and have been put on high doses of antibiotics, three others were operated upon Friday evening.
“The eyes of six of them are badly infected and they are on high doses of antibiotics. Two of them will have to undergo vitreoretinal surgery and cornea transplant, while one will undergo cornea transplant,” health department special secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh said.
IGIMS superintendent Dr Manish Mandal said the patients were being provided free treatment and arrangements have been made for the stay of attendants as well.He said more such patients were expected to come.
So far, out of the 65 persons who had undergone cataract surgery at the private hospital in a free camp, eyes of 15 had already been removed. Of them, the eyes of 11 victims were removed at SKMCH and four at the Eye Hospital.
Sources said more people may lose their vision and eyes as they had been badly infected. If the infected eyes are not removed, it could be dangerous for them. The exact reason of infection is yet not known as the report of culture done at the microbiology lab of SKMCH is awaited.
Muzaffarpur civil surgeon Dr Vinay Kumar Sharma said an FIR has been lodged against the hospital administration and a copy of the investigation report submitted by a team constituted by him, had also been attached. “We have given the details of doctors and assistants involved in the cataract surgeries,” said Dr Sharma.
When asked by a section of media about Dr Sahu and whether he was absconding, the civil surgeon replied, “I cannot say anything about that.”
Apart from a team constituted by the civil surgeon for investigation, a team from Patna was also sent to Muzaffarpur on Thursday. Sources said the team members were not satisfied with the facilities at the hospital where surgeries had been conducted.
“The state government has strictly instructed the officials not to protect anyone and get the investigation done minutely. Whatever report comes, action will be taken accordingly,” said Dr Harishchandra Ojha, the blindness redressal officer, who is heading this team. Dr Ojha also said the hospital administration was not cooperating.