Serious Eye Infections Strike Patients After Cataract Camp
RAIPUR: A troubling medical incident has emerged from Chhattisgarh where nine patients developed serious eye infections following cataract surgeries conducted at Bijapur district hospital. The state health department has responded by launching an urgent investigation into the matter that came to light on Wednesday.
Surgical Camp Turns Sour
The unfortunate situation began when fourteen patients underwent cataract operations during a surgical camp organized at Bijapur district hospital on October 24. During routine follow-up examinations conducted on Tuesday, medical professionals detected post-operative infections in nine of these patients.
The district administration acted promptly by referring all nine affected individuals to Dr B R Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur for specialized medical attention. All patients were admitted to the Raipur facility on Wednesday morning, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Severity of Infections and Medical Response
Hospital authorities at Ambedkar Hospital revealed concerning details about the patients' conditions. Eight of the nine patients show signs of deep ocular infection in their operated eyes, while one patient's eye remains normal at present, according to medical staff.
A treating doctor confirmed that all affected patients have been provided with necessary medications and medical equipment. The patients are under close observation by specialist medical teams to monitor their condition and response to treatment.
Meanwhile, relatives of the infected patients have raised serious allegations about lapses in post-operative care at the Bijapur district hospital where the surgeries were originally performed.
Official Investigation Launched
In response to the developing situation, Director of Health Services Dr Priyanka Shukla has constituted a three-member inquiry team to investigate the causes behind the infections and recommend preventive measures. The investigation panel includes state programme officer Dr Nidhi Atriwal, joint director of health services for Bastar division Dr Mahesh Sandia, and eye surgeon Dr Sarita Thomas from Jagdalpur district hospital.
The team has been directed to submit its comprehensive report within three days and has received instructions to begin immediate on-site inspections at Bijapur district hospital.
Health officials emphasized that the administration moved quickly once complications were identified, ensuring the prompt transfer of patients to Raipur and making all required drugs and medical instruments available for their treatment.
Political Reaction and Broader Implications
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from political quarters, with former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel accusing the state government of negligence. Baghel specifically alleged distribution of substandard medicines and demanded immediate action along with compensation for the affected victims.
This troubling episode raises significant questions about surgical camp protocols, sterilization procedures, and post-operative monitoring systems in district hospitals across the state. The health department has indicated that findings from the ongoing inquiry will determine whether criminal or administrative action, including compensation for victims, is warranted.
As a precautionary measure, officials have urged all patients who underwent cataract surgery at Bijapur district hospital on October 24 to report any concerning symptoms—including pain, swelling, discharge, or blurred vision—to the nearest health facility without delay.
