Medical Malpractice at Eye Hospital in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh: Nine People Lose Their Sight After Cataract Surgery

Gorakhpur: Nine individuals lost their eyesight after contracting infections following cataract surgery at New Rajesh Hi-Tech Hospital in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred during an eye treatment camp held on the 1st of this month, where surgeries were performed on 30 patients, many of whom were covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Following complaints, the hospital was sealed, and authorities have launched a detailed investigation.

According to reports, within 24 hours of undergoing surgery, several patients began to experience severe pain and discomfort in their eyes. Eighteen patients developed infections, and due to the worsening of their conditions, they were referred to hospitals in Delhi, Lucknow, and Varanasi. Doctors confirmed that one patient has partially regained their eyesight.

As complaints against the hospital escalated, District Magistrate Deepak Meena ordered the hospital's closure. He stated that if the hospital is found guilty, the registration of the health workers involved will be revoked. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rajesh Jha acknowledged serious lapses and assured that further action would be taken based on the investigation report.

During tests conducted by the health department, bacterial infections were confirmed in the affected patients eyes. Some patients reported being discharged just hours after their surgeries but began experiencing discomfort the very next day. Some even experienced bleeding.

Several of the affected patients are currently receiving treatment at AIIMS in Delhi, as well as in hospitals in Varanasi and Lucknow. To prevent the further spread of infection, officials reported that the infected eyes of nine patients had to be removed.