Tamil Nadu: Mettur Government Hospital alleged of medical negligence for loss of vision in 16 patients

One of the patients implied that after she was not able to bear the pain, she decided to approach the hospital. However, the doctors were no help there, she alleged. Later, she lost her vision and the eye drops prescription at the hospital offered no help either thereafter.

Similarly, 15 more patients reported loss of vision. The doctors have confirmed that there is a severe eye infection. These patients were referred forward to Aravind Eye Hospital in Salem; out of which 6 patients were also sent to the Aravind Eye Hospital in Coimbatore to get treated further.

On Friday, relatives of four patients assembled before the Mettur Government Hospital and spoke to the media about their predicament.

"The doctors at the private hospital say that chances of regaining vision are minimal. We want the government to take stern action against those responsible for this," said P Sureshkumar, a relative of one victim to TOI.

In the meantime, health department officials have started an inquiry, involving the patients and doctors in Mettur. The investigation team is being headed by joint director of medical (incharge) Dr. Inbasekaran. The inquiry has been initiated, with patients interrogation on the matter.  The team is also reported to have paid a visit to the Aravind Eye Hospital along with district collector V Sampath; where they stated that the surgical procedure was flawless.