Judicial inquiry into eye infection issue ordered in Asom

Guwahati, Oct 13 (UNI) The Asom government today ordered a judicial inquiry as 34 of the total 38 patients reportedly lost sight after being infected with post-operation complications at a cataract correction camp at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO) here.

The inquiry commission, to he headed by a retired High Court judge, would initially have three-month term, which could be extended if needed.

Informing this at a press meet here, state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said, ''Steps will be taken against those found guilty by the commission.'' The three-member expert committee, formed to study the reasons which led to the infections, had submitted its report on October 10.

Mr Sharma, quoting the report, said it took exception of the fact that the infections occured on only three days of the camp -- on September 12, 13 and 16 -- even though the camp had started on September 1.

''While waiting for the judicial enquiry, we will ensure an administrative reshuffle. The entire controversy has exposed the internal feud in the RIO and the government will do its best to put things in place,'' the Minister said.

He also announced Rs 50,000 for each infected patient as one-time relief from the Chief Minister's fund.

Altogether 38 patients had been infected during the aforesaid three days. They were later sent to Shankar Netralaya in Chennai on government expenses and four of them recovered, while the rest lost sight in the infected eye.

Mr Sharma also refuted the allegation that the doctors were forced to do more operations than of the standard norm. He quoted reports, prepared by the doctors of the RIO, which clearly stated that they were capable of performing more surgeries than they currently did.

He informed that the operation theatre, now under repair following the infection cases, would be re-opened shortly.

UNI SG KK SK BS1836