Bhopal: AIIMS submits report on botched cataract surgery

Specialists from AIIMS were reviewing the exact nature and extent of treatment required for patients suffering from botched cataract surgery held in Barwani district in Indore earlier.

The microbiology department of AIIMS have now concluded the unfortunate medical episode as a result of infections on the operating theatre (OT) table and surgical equipment during the back to back cataract surgeries.

Unlike what was initially suspected in the case, a clean chit has been given by the AIIMS experts to the Ringer Lactic solution used for cleaning eyes before the surgery. The decision has been backed by the Central Drug Laboratory in Kolkata that the solution did not trigger infection. The state health department had sent solution samples to the Kolkata-based laboratory for confirming the cause of the incident.

This report is likely to be reviewed by the directorate of health and family welfare now. A PIL has also been filed before Indore bench of MP high court, seeking criminal proceedings against doctors, officials and drug suppliers.

As reported by TOI, The committee too had to look into lapses, in the condition of surgical instruments and the operating theatre. One of the members of the panel and dean of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College M K Rathore did not comment on the AIIMS report. He said, "The AIIMS findings are based on microbiological examination whereas our outlook was different."

MP had announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh and pension of Rs 5,000 per month to those affected in the botched surgeries.