Govt camp turns deadly, 11 lose eyesight after operation

Raipur, Oct 13: At least 11 elderly people have lost their eyesight after they underwent surgery at a government health camp in Chhattisgarh, said officials.

"Eleven people who went for minor cataract surgeries at a government health camp late last month at Balod in Durg district have lost their eyesight days after the operation. They were admitted Thursday to Raipur's Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Government Medical College and Hospital," said an official at the Directorate of Health Services.

Reena Babasaheb Kangale, drug district collector has however admitted "negligence" at the camp adding that "administration would act tough against those found responsible".

"It's a serious issue, I will deal with it strongly. Those who performed operations at the camp will be grilled and tough action will be taken against the guilty," said Kamal Preet Singh, director, health services.

Senior officials have also been instructed by health minister, Amar Agarwal to look into the matter and assist affected patients.

Sources also claim that the government arranged vehicles for patients to travel from Balod to get admitted at the biggest government hospital in Chattisgarh after dozens of locals and relatives protested against the operation performed by "ill-trained doctors" for a week.

According to reports, at least 325 people were examined and some 50 percent were operated at the Balod's camp that ended on Sept 30. Majority of patients who underwent surgery developed puss and swelling.

OneIndia News