New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday issued a notice to the Bihar government over reports that eyes of some patients had to be removed allegedly due to ‘botched-up’ cataract surgeries recently conducted at a hospital in Muzaffarpur, said officials.
In a statement, the NHRC said it has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that "eyes of six patients had to be removed at Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) due to botched up cataract surgeries at Muzaffarpur Eye Hospital on November 22."
Doctors may have to remove the eyes of more patients due to infections after the surgery, the rights panel said.
District civil surgeon, Dr Vinay Sharma said a sample of the liquid used to clean the eyes during surgery has been sent for culture from the Operation Theatre, adding that the OT has been sealed. However, no such incident has been reported elsewhere, the doctor said.
"According to medical protocol, a doctor can conduct up to 12 surgeries. However, in this case, the doctor conducted surgery on 65 patients," the panel said.
The NHRC observed that conducting surgeries in such a ‘reckless manner' violating medical protocols is a matter of serious concern.
Accordingly, the panel issued a notice to the chief secretary, Government of Bihar, seeking a detailed report, the statement said.
"The report is expected to inform about the number of patients who lost their eyes, the status of the medical treatment provided to them and the relief by the state government, including action against the responsible officers and doctors. The response is expected within four weeks," the statement further said.
According to media reports, in most of the cases, the ‘cornea of the patients has been badly damaged and there are chances that the infection could reach their brains."
"The authorities have reportedly stopped the activities at the Muzaffarpur Eye Hospital and a team of the doctors, headed by ACMO, is conducting an investigation in the matter," the statement said.