9 patients get infections post-cataract surgeries at Bijapur Hospital, probe ordered
Bijapur Cataract Camp Infections Trigger Statewide Health Safety Review
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh state health department has launched an urgent inquiry after nine patients developed serious eye infections following cataract surgeries conducted at a surgical camp in Bijapur district hospital.
According to the news reports, fourteen patients underwent cataract operations at a surgical camp held at the Bijapur district hospital on October 24. During follow-up examinations earlier this week, doctors detected post-operative infections in nine of them. The affected patients were immediately referred to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur for specialised treatment and were admitted there on Wednesday morning.
Speaking to TOI, hospital authorities at Ambedkar hospital said eight of the nine patients show signs of deep ocular infection. “Eight patients have deep infections in the operated eye. One patient’s eye remains normal for now,” said a doctor. All affected patients have been given necessary medicines and equipment, he said, and are under close observation.
Relatives of the affected patients have alleged lapses in post-operative care at Bijapur hospital. In response to the allegations, Director of Health Services Dr Priyanka Shukla has constituted a three-member inquiry team to probe the causes and recommend steps to prevent recurrence.
The inquiry team includes state programme officer Dr Nidhi Atriwal, joint director of health services of Bastar division Dr Mahesh Sandia, and eye surgeon Dr Sarita Thomas of Jagdalpur district hospital. The panel has been instructed to submit its report within three days.
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The incident has, however, drawn sharp political criticism. Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel accused the state government of negligence and alleged that substandard medicines may have been used. He demanded immediate action for those responsible and compensation for the victims.
The episode has raised serious concerns about the safety and supervision of cataract surgery camps in district hospitals, especially in remote areas. The health department has assured that the inquiry’s findings will determine whether criminal or administrative action is warranted.
Health authorities have urged all patients who underwent surgery at the Bijapur camp on October 24 to report any signs of pain, swelling, discharge, or blurred vision to the nearest medical facility immediately.
