TN: CM declares 1 cr to cataract victims

Chennai, Aug 25: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Monday, Aug 25 announced a solatium of Rs 1 crore to 20 people undergoing treatment after they complained of blurred vision following cataract surgery during an eye camp conducted by the Joseph Eye Hospital at Perambalur last month. An official release said nine of the 29 patients had regained the vision and the remaining, who lost their vision completely, were undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Considering their situation, Mr Karunanidhi announced an assistance of Rs five lakh each (totalling Rs one crore) from the Chief Minister's Public Relief fund. He also announced a monthly pension of Rs 400 to the 20 patients on the lines of those being extended to the physically handicapped.

Expressing regret over the tragic incident, Mr Karunanidhi said the government would conduct a detailed inquiry. Mr Karunanidhi said he had also deputed Health Minister M R K Panneerselvam to visit the affected patients undergoing treatment at a hospital in Tiruchirapalli.

As many as 66 persons, identified at a special eye camp at Kaduvanur Village in Villupuram District on July 28, underwent cataract surgeries in the St Joseph Hospital's satellite facility at Perambalur the next day.

UNI