Faulty cataract surgery takes six elderly patients’ vision in Odisha’s Bhadrak

As many as six senior citizens have lost their vision permanently due to alleged faulty operation in Bhadrak district. 

According to sources, six senior citizens were brought to a private eye hospital at Dahani Gadia in Bhadrak town for cataract operations. The operations were done between September 28 and 30. After the operations, instead of getting their normal vision back, they allegedly lost their vision permanently. 

Following this, the patients and their relatives created a ruckus at the hospital and lodged complaints at Bhadrak town police station. 

“Prior to the operation, I was able to see slightly in my right eye. But after the operation, I couldn’t see anything in that eye,” alleged Sulochana Das, a patient. 

Echoing the same, another patient, Ratnakar Das said, “I had undergone surgery on September 29. Thereafter, I couldn’t see anything in that eye. I was asked to visit the hospital on October 5.  I came on that day. They carried out a check-up and asked me to come on October 8 again.”

When contacted, chief district medical officer (CDMO) Dr Santosh Patra said, “After receiving the allegations, we visited the hospital for an inquiry. The hospital authorities have shared some documents with us. After the investigation is over, appropriate action will be taken against those responsible.”