KGMU Ophthalmology Department under probe over prescription row
King George's Medical University
Lucknow: An inquiry has been initiated in the Department of Ophthalmology at King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, over allegations of prescribing an external lens and 18 medicines to a patient for cataract surgery.
This investigation was initiated after a patient was reportedly asked to purchase expensive items, including a lens, from outside for cataract surgery.
The patient, identified as Geeta Kashyap, a resident of Barwan Kala in Jehta (Kakori), had been suffering from certain eye-related ailments. Her family initially took her to Balrampur Hospital for treatment, from where she was referred to the Department of Ophthalmology at KGMU, where an ultrasound was conducted.
However, her family has alleged that the wrong eye of the patient was examined; despite their repeated insistence, the affected eye was not examined. Furthermore, they claimed that the patient was prescribed an external lens and approximately 18 different types of medicines, which had to be purchased from outside.
Therefore, a four-member committee has been constituted by the KGMU administration to investigate the matter. The committee has begun gathering evidence and has recorded statements from patients, family members, and staff. Preliminary findings indicate potential kickback-related activities, with doctors and staff suspected of involvement, reports LiveHindustan.
The committee has also recorded the statements of the doctors and staff of the Ophthalmology department, with around four employees examined so far. The individual who handed over the prescription for 18 different medicines to the patient's relatives has also been identified.
Meanwhile, the committee is now attempting to identify the individual who actually wrote the prescriptions for the medicines. The allegations regarding the receipt of commissions on medicines and lenses are reportedly largely substantiated.
However, members of the committee state that 50 per cent of the investigation has been completed, and the remainder is expected to be finished by next week.
Furthermore, spokesperson Dr KK Singh stated that the committee is seriously investigating all aspects of this matter, and under no circumstances will those found guilty be spared.
