Brahmapuri hospital registration suspended over cataract surgery infection allegations

The decision was taken by the Civil Surgeon, Dr Mahadev Chinchole, on Monday.  

After the matter came into the light, a preliminary inquiry was conducted. This inquiry revealed violations of the 'Bombay Nursing Homes Act, 1949' and lapses in ophthalmic care standards at the hospital, according to TOI.

According to health officials, a specially constituted inquiry committee found that the hospital was performing eye surgeries without authorized ophthalmology beds and had failed to comply with mandatory norms.  

Accordingly, the hospital's registration has been suspended, and its operation theatre and inpatient department have been sealed until further orders, said Dr Chinchole.  

Although the hospital's surgical and inpatient services will remain suspended, its outpatient department will continue to function temporarily. 

The surgeries on the affected patients were performed on February 19, while formal complaints were received on March 16. The results of the preliminary investigation indicate serious irregularities and violations of regulations.

The matter has also been referred to the State Health Department, which may initiate a high-level inquiry based on the final findings.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that following a post-cataract surgery infection outbreak at a private hospital in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, which caused permanent vision loss in nine patients and required another nine to have an eye removed, the district administration has cancelled the hospital's licence.