9 Patients Develop Eye Infections Following Cataract Surgery at Chhattisgarh Government Hospital: Investigation Launched

Health officials reported that 14 individuals underwent cataract surgery at the Bijapur District hospital on October 24.

Raipur:

Nine patients have developed eye complications following cataract surgeries performed at a government hospital in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, leading the health department to initiate an official investigation, authorities announced on Wednesday.

These affected patients from Bijapur were transferred to Dr BR Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur this morning to receive specialized treatment, according to a health department representative.

The official explained that among the 14 patients who received cataract surgery at Bijapur District hospital on October 24, nine were found to have developed infections in their operated eyes during the follow-up examination conducted on Tuesday.

They were subsequently referred to Raipur for advanced care, with authorities confirming that all essential medications and medical equipment have been made available for their treatment.

In response to this incident, Dr Priyanka Shukla, Commissioner-cum-Director of the state's Health Services, has established a three-member committee to conduct an investigation, the official stated.

This committee will investigate the causes behind these post-surgical complications and recommend preventative measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

The investigative panel comprises State Programme Officer Dr Nidhi Atriwal, Joint Director (Health Services) of Bastar Division Dr Mahesh Sandia, and Ophthalmic Surgeon from Jagdalpur District Hospital Dr Sarita Thomas. According to the official, the committee has been instructed to submit its findings within three days.