Cong forms panel to probe botched up eye surgeries

Taking cognizance over the alleged botched up cataract surgery at Christian Fellowship Hospital, Rajnandgaon; Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CGPCC) Chief Bhupesh Baghel has formed a nine-member Probe Committee headed by Chairman of Congress Medical Wing Dr Rakesh Gupta to enquire into the matter.

The Probe Committee includes legislator Bholaram Sahu, Eye Specialist and senior Congress leader Dr Vinay Jaiswal.

The CGPCC Chief has instructed the Probe Committee members to immediately visit the hospital and by interrogating concerned officials, employees and victims take necessary action and submit the report at the earliest to CGPCC.

Notably, At least 11 people reportedly lost vision in one eye after they underwent cataract surgery at an eye camp in private Christian Fellowship Hospital at Rajnandgaon here in Chhattisgarh. Cataract surgeries of atleast 96 patients, mostly from rural regions of Rajnandgaon, Durg and Balod districts, were performed on February 22, 23 and 24 at the hospital. Of them, 32 later complained of infections and 11 of them reportedly lost vision in the operated eye.

An official from Health Department said all the affected patients were shifted to various hospitals in Raipur for better treatment and an investigation has been initiated.

A Deputy Director level official, Dr Subhash Mishra of the Chhattisgarh Government a couple of days ago visited the patients in Christian Fellowship Hospital and he had also submitted his report to the government.