Chhattisgarh: Nine people suffer eye infections post cataract surgeries at govt hospital in Bijapur

RAIPUR: Nine patients have developed serious eye infections after cataract surgeries at the Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district hospital, and the state health department has ordered an urgent inquiry, officials said on Wednesday.Fourteen people underwent cataract operations at a surgical camp held at Bijapur district hospital on Oct 24. During follow-up examinations on Tuesday, doctors detected post-operative infection in nine patients. The district administration referred all nine to Dr B R Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur for specialist care; they were admitted here on Wednesday morning.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 patients alleged lapses in post-operative care at Bijapur.Director health services Dr Priyanka Shukla has constituted a three-member inquiry team to probe causes and recommend steps to prevent recurrence. The panel — state programme officer Dr Nidhi Atriwal, joint director, health services of Bastar division Dr Mahesh Sandia and eye surgeon Dr Sarita Thomas of Jagdalpur district hospital — has been asked to submit its report within three days.Health officials said the administration moved quickly once complications surfaced: the nine patients were transferred to Raipur and required drugs and instruments were made available. Authorities have also ordered the probe team to begin on-site inspections at Bijapur immediately.The incident has drawn sharp criticism. Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel accused the state govt of negligence, alleging distribution of substandard medicines and demanding immediate action and compensation for the victims.The incident raises questions about surgical camp protocols, sterilisation and post-operative monitoring in district hospitals. The health department said findings from the inquiry will determine whether criminal or administrative action, including compensation, is warranted.Officials urged patients who underwent surgery at Bijapur on Oct 24 to report any symptoms — pain, swelling, discharge or blurred vision — to the nearest health facility without delay.