Cataract surgeries in Bastar lead to 17 eye infections
Dantewada | Correspondent: In Dantewada, Bastar district, three additional patients have reported vision loss or severe impairment following cataract surgeries, increasing the total number of cases in this incident to 17.
Initially, the state government reported 11 affected patients; however, with these new cases, the total count has grown, and all 17 have been transferred to Raipur’s Ambedkar Hospital for specialized treatment.
Six of these cataract surgeries took place in Udela village, Dantewada. Two patients, Velli and Soni, had already been admitted to Raipur’s government hospital due to complications.
Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO) Ajay Ramteke confirmed that four more patients from the village – Kumme, Mundo, Badru, and Lakhma – were examined, with two displaying signs of eye infections, and another showing visual difficulties.
In response to the incident, the state government suspended Dr. Geeta Netam, who performed the surgeries, along with staff nurse Mamta Vede and eye assistant officer Deepti Toppo.
Additionally, junior scientist Abhishek Mandal and microbiologist Umakant Tiwari were dismissed.
Preliminary reports suggest the operating area might not have been properly disinfected, leading to rapid infection spread among the patients.
Despite being regulated by the State Nodal Agency, which approved the operations, the standards and precautions taken during the surgery have come into question.
Between October 18 and 22, cataract procedures were conducted at Dantewada District Hospital.
Following these surgeries, patients reported severe eye pain, itching, and, in some cases, total vision loss.
After initial examination, infection was detected in 11 patients, with complaints of worsening eye conditions leading to the transfer of 14 patients to Ambedkar Hospital.
Doctors treating the affected patients in Raipur stated that two patients were in particularly critical condition, with heightened risk of panophthalmitis, a severe eye infection that could lead to permanent damage.
All patients are currently being treated in the ophthalmology department, with one individual in the ICU due to a deteriorating condition. Dr. Amrita Verma, a treating physician in Raipur, stated that while the infection is under control, the long-term outcome will only be clear once bandages are removed.
Following the incident, the government ordered a full investigation.
On Sunday, a team of doctors inspected the operating theater in Dantewada, with their preliminary report leading to the swift issuance of suspension orders.
The investigation found that operational protocols were not strictly followed.
Meanwhile, political tensions have risen, with Congress Medical Cell President Dr. Rakesh Gupta visiting Raipur’s hospital to assess patient conditions.
Congress has labeled the incident as “Ankhphodwa Scandal 2” and formed its own investigative team.
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal responded, emphasizing that the government acted promptly to transfer patients to Raipur for top-tier treatment, adding that he personally visited the patients to ensure they receive the best care possible.
