Gorakhpur hospital licence cancelled over post-cataract surgery infections

Gorakhpur: 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.

The licence was cancelled on Friday after a magisterial inquiry found serious lapses linked to infections that developed following the cataract surgeries. The action came after multiple patients reported complications soon after undergoing procedures at the facility.

Medical Dialogues yesterday reported that, in a shocking incident, nine patients lost vision in one eye, and another nine patients had to get an eye removed after developing infections following cataract surgeries at a private hospital in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The incident prompted authorities to seal the facility and order an inquiry. 

Around 30 cataract surgeries were conducted during a camp organised at New Rajesh Hitech Hospital on February 2. Within 24 hours, several patients began experiencing severe eye pain, swelling, and pus discharge from the operated eye. Nearly 20 patients developed serious post-operative infections, and 12 of them allegedly suffered permanent vision loss in the operated eye.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, taking note of media reports, the district magistrate ordered a magisterial inquiry on February 12. The probe was headed by the additional district magistrate and included recording statements of affected patients and examining relevant documents. Earlier, the chief medical officer had also constituted a three-member committee led by the additional chief medical officer to investigate the matter.

During the course of the investigation, authorities sealed the hospital’s operation theatre and collected samples of medicines and surgical instruments. The professional qualifications of the operating surgeon were also verified. Officials stated that Streptococcus bacteria were detected on a machine used during the surgeries, which is believed to have been the source of infection. The enquiry also revealed significant deficiencies in sterilisation protocols, infection-control measures, and surgical practices.

Based on the findings, the district magistrate ordered the immediate cancellation of the hospital’s licence. The chief medical officer confirmed the revocation and stated that inspection teams have now been formed to audit other private hospitals in the district to ensure compliance with sterilisation and infection-control standards.

Officials further clarified that no formal written complaint has yet been filed by the affected patients, and therefore, no FIR has been registered so far.