Botched Cataract Surgeries at Gwalior Hospital: 8 Elderly patients lose vision

Bhopal: A month after the Khyati Hospital controversy where two PMJAY patients died after a botched angioplasty, another private hospital in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh named Kalra Hospital has come under the spotlight for allegedly conducting unauthorised medical camp and performing free cataract surgeries, resulting in vision loss for eight elderly people mostly in their 60's and 70's. 

While the 8 elderly people thought the camp to be legitimate and were relieved of getting free cataract surgeries, the result turned into a nightmare for them after they became blind overnight. The state health department has stated that the hospital took no permission to set up the camp.

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In a similar modus operandi, the Kalra Hospital allegedly performed free cataract surgeries on 8 out of 50 individuals who were examined at the camp and were referred for the surgery after doctors informed them that they had serious conditions. 

The patients have been identified as 60-year-old Chiranjilal Sakhwar, 45-year-old Rajveer Singh, 65-year-old Chunni Bai, 70-year-old Bhagirath, 58-year-old Bhuri Bai, and 60-year-old Chameli Bai.

The alleged botched cataract surgeries have left Chiranjilal with complete blindness in both eyes after the doctors operated on his wrong eye. Another patient, Chunni Bai, complained that she could see partially before the surgery but is now completely blind.

The patients claimed that when they approached the doctor with complaints of vision loss, the doctor dismissed their grievances and advised them to continue medication.

The incident came to light when the patient complained of vision loss after returning home following the surgery. As per a Free Press Journal news report, the 8 elderly people were brought to the hospital for surgery the same day after they attended the free health checkup camp at Saraswati Shishu Mandir School in Gormi on December 9. Around 50 people were examined at the camp.

Meanwhile, the health department has denied permitting the private hospital and confirmed that the camp was unauthorised. In response to the shocking negligence, the department has assured of conducting an in-depth investigation into the matter. The affected patients have further filed a complaint against the doctor and the hospital authorities at the local police station.  

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