Number of MP camp patients with lost sight rises to 52

The number of the people losing their eyesight after cataract surgery at a medical camp in Badwani in Madhya Pradesh last month has risen to 52, Sharad Pandit, joint director (health), Indore division, said on Thursday.

Of the 60 people who had developed severe infection in the retina after being operated upon at the medical camp, 52 have so far lost their vision permanently in the eye that was treated, he told IANS.

The remainder eight petients might get their eyesight back, Pandit said.

A total of 86 people underwent cataract surgery at the medical camp in Badwani, organised by the state government from November 16 to 24. Of the patients, 60 developed infection.

The public outcry following the botched up surgeries led to the state government suspending Dr.R.S. Palod, under whose guidance the camp was organised, assistant Pradeep Chouksey and staff nurses Leela Verma, Maya Chouhan, Vinita Chouksey and Shabana Mansuri.

The state government also decided to conduct an infection-audit of operation theatres of all district hospitals and announced free treatment, Rs.2 lakh compensation and Rs.5,000 per month pension for each petient who has suffered the consequences of botched up surgery.