High-level probe ordered into wastage of 742 eyes

Rajasthan Health Minister Rajendra Rathore has ordered a high level inquiry into alleged wastage of 742 eyes donated to the S N Medical College of Jodhpur since 1996.
Rathore gave the directions in a review meeting here yesterday.
He also directed the officials to carry out inspection of all seven eye-banks and submit report in a week's time.
The committee comprises principal of college, Joint Director (Medical Jodhpur zone) and chief medial and health officer.
The matter of the alleged wastage came to light through a reply to an RTI application filed by a resident of Jodhpur.
Virendra Raj Mehta had sought information about the total eyes donated to the eye bank of the college since 1996.

According to details provided by the college, 1,805 eyes had been donated to the college, of which 1,063 were used and rest 742 were not transplanted.
Giving account of this difference, Assistant Principal of the College Narendra Chhangani said there was an absence of clarity on the issue.
"We used over 90 per cent of eyes donated between 2006 to 2012 and those which could not be used, were not fit for use on account of the donors being infected with a disease," he said.