Authorities in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, have shut down a private medical facility following the revelation that nine patients lost their eyesight due to infections that developed post-cataract surgery. The incidents are connected to New Rajesh Hi-Tech Hospital, where an eye camp was conducted on February 1. Approximately 30 patients underwent procedures that day, but within a few days, a troubling number began to show signs of serious complications.

18 Patients Report Serious Complications

It was reported that 18 of the patients experienced severe eye infections, and nine subsequently required surgical removal of their eyes at other medical institutions. As the situation escalated, several individuals were transferred to advanced specialty hospitals located in Delhi, Lucknow, and Varanasi for further care. Families of the affected patients highlighted their distress, citing severe symptoms including intense pain, bleeding, and discharge from the surgical sites.

Patients Referred to Delhi, Lucknow and Varanasi

One family member, Sanjay Singh, recounted the distressing experience of his father, who began bleeding from the eye shortly after the surgery. Despite efforts to seek help in Varanasi and Delhi, the bleeding persisted. Singh expressed concern for multiple family members who underwent the same procedure, stating, “Both are suffering.” Another relative noted that a medical team in Delhi eventually recommended the removal of the eye once the infection became uncontrollable.

Rekha, another family member involved in the incident, mentioned that 18 patients from her locality had surgeries performed at the facility. She described the aftermath as painful, with ongoing issues of pus discharge. While medication has alleviated some pain, she emphasized that permanent damage had already occurred.

Health Department Inspects Hospital, Seals Ophthalmology Unit

Following these alarming developments, a team from the health department conducted an inspection of the hospital, subsequently sealing its ophthalmology department to prevent further operations. Culture tests confirmed that infections were indeed present among the patients.

District Magistrate Orders Magisterial Inquiry

District Magistrate Deepak Meena confirmed that immediate action would be taken against the responsible medical professionals. “The hospital has been closed and sealed without delay. A magisterial inquiry has been instituted, and a report is expected within the next few days. Any individuals found culpable will face registration cancellation and additional repercussions,” he stated.

Officials Warn Action Against Doctors if Found Guilty

The Chief Medical Officer of Gorakhpur, Rajesh Jha, elaborated on the timeline, noting that the surgeries were conducted on February 1, with complications manifesting by February 4. “Numerous patients were identified as suffering from severe infections and are currently receiving attention in Gorakhpur, Delhi, and Varanasi hospitals. Initially, it appears to be a case of infection,” he explained.

Dr. Jha also mentioned that a committee has been organized at the district level to investigate potential lapses leading to the infections. The microbiology department of BRD Medical College has been tasked with analyzing samples taken from the affected patients, and statements have been collected from the involved medical staff.

Strict Guidelines Issued for Rural Hospitals

As a precaution to prevent similar occurrences, health authorities have issued stringent guidelines for the disinfection of operating theatres and surgical environments in other rural hospitals within the Gorakhpur district.