Gorakhpur (Gurpreet Singh): At least nine patients had to undergo removal of one eye and nine others lost vision in one eye after developing serious infections following cataract surgeries at a private hospital, prompting authorities to seal the facility and order a magisterial inquiry.
Officials said the surgeries were conducted on 30 patients during an eye camp held on February 1 at New Rajesh Hitech Hospital. Within 24 hours of the procedures, several patients reportedly began experiencing intense pain and discharge from the operated eye.
According to official sources, at least 18 patients developed infections as their condition deteriorated. They were referred to hospitals in Delhi, Lucknow and Varanasi for advanced treatment. One patient has partially regained vision, officials confirmed.
District Magistrate Deepak Meena said the hospital has been sealed and a detailed inquiry has been initiated. “If anyone is found guilty, their registration will be cancelled,” he stated.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rajesh Jha described the incident as a “serious lapse” and assured that strict action would follow based on the inquiry findings. A culture test conducted by the health department has confirmed bacterial infection as the cause.
Many of the surgeries were reportedly performed under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Several patients alleged that they were discharged just hours after surgery and began facing complications the next day.
Some of the most critical cases are currently being treated at AIIMS Delhi and in hospitals in Varanasi and Lucknow. In multiple cases, doctors had to remove the infected eye to prevent the infection from spreading further, officials said.
Paradeshi, one of the affected patients, said doctors at AIIMS Delhi informed him on February 17 that he had lost vision in the operated eye. “They said the eye may have to be removed depending on reports,” he said.
Sahwan Ali from Gola said her condition worsened a day after surgery. “There was bleeding from the eye the next day. We were rushed to Delhi. Doctors removed one eye. I can no longer see,” she said.
Shankarawati of Rahdauli, who underwent eye removal surgery at a hospital in Varanasi, expressed fear about her remaining vision. “I still have pain and blurred vision. I am scared the infection might spread,” she said. Her son warned that the family would pursue legal action if her other eye is affected.
Authorities said further action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
