Lokayukta starts probe in botched cataract surgery

The Lokayukta today launched an inquiry into the botched cataract surgery which caused partial vision loss in seven elderly patients at a Government-run hospital here.
A team from the Institution of Lokayukta (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) visited the Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital after taking suo-motu cognisance of media reports about the botched up surgery.
The team, led by Narasimha Reddy, Director (Investigation) of Lokayukta, conducted inquiry into the incident by examining some of the victims, who are still undergoing treatment.
"We examined some victims...Further inquiry will continue as we need to examine the doctors who performed the surgeries," said a senior official who is part of the probe, undertaken on directions of Lokayukta B Subhashan Reddy.

The team will submit its report to Lokayukta in the 2-3 days, he said, adding five of the patients are still undergoing treatment.
In a related development, the State Human Rights Commission has sought a report by July 21 from Telangana Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) and Superintendent of the Hospital.

Thirteen elderly patients, including women, contracted infection in their eyes after undergoing cataract surgery at the hospital on June 30. Seven of them complained of suffering partial loss of vision.
Police have registered a case against some doctors of the hospital under IPC Section 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others).

Doctors have ruled out any negligence on their part and claimed the saline solution bottles used during the surgery were contaminated with Klebsiella bacteria, which caused the infection.