Bhubaneswar: Police on Thursday sealed a private clinic after 13 persons reportedly complained of partial vision loss after undergoing cataract surgery there last week.
According to sources, 26 persons had undergone cataract surgery on June 20. Out of the 26 people, 13 patients complained of severe pain in their eyes, headache and vision loss after 24 hours of operation. They were shifted to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) as their condition worsened. While 11 of them have been discharged, two elderly persons are still undergoing treatment.
The incident sparked tension in the clinic with relatives of affected patients alleging faulty surgery led to partial vision loss.
Expressing concern over the incident, the police sealed the eye clinic in the presence of the district administration.
“An investigation is underway and stringent action will be taken against those found guilty”, said Anugul Chief District Medical Officer Shivashankar Mohanty.
Meanwhile, a preliminary investigation report suggests it to be a case of post-cataract surgery infection. It spread to mass as the surgical tools were not perhaps properly sterilised.
Angul Collector Abdaal M. Akhtar said, “13 persons complained of partial vision loss after undergoing cataract surgery at Pradhan’s Eye Care clinic. They were shifted to VIMSAR. However, 11 of them have already been discharged. The remaining two patients are also improving. CDMO has formed a team for investigation. The probe team will submit a report in this regard. If the clinic is found not following safe medical procedures, we will take action under the Clinical Establishment Act.”
