Four years after botched cataract surgeries, eye operations resume at Barwani hospital

Barwani: Almost four years after 67 persons lost their vision in one eye during cataract surgeries in Barwani district hospital, eye operations were resumed in the hospital on Saturday.

Barwani collector Amit Tomar told TOI that instructions have been issued that required protocol and hygiene be followed strictly during surgeries. “We have not set any target for eye operations. Safety of patients is priority, so numbers will not matter', Tomar said.

Chief medical and health officer Anita Singare told TOI that on Saturday, nine patients were operated by a surgeon from district hospital, Jhabua and team from Barwani hospital. “We are selecting patients at block level through various parameters and bringing them to district hospital Barwani for treatment.”

Eye surgeon from Jhabua district hospital, Dr GS Awasya, who performed the surgery on Saturday said that the (Barwani) hospital was still lacking in proper resources, due to which he had to bring his instruments from Jhabua for the surgery.

Between November 16 and November 21, 2015 , 86 persons were operated for removal of cataract at district hospital Barwani. Of these, 67 lost vision in one eye while one patient turned blind as he had vision only in one eye.

A state- level committee comprising additional chief secretary was constituted to probe the botched- up surgery. Initial probe had found that operating microscope and surgical blades were infected, OT floor was covered with fungus and no protocol was followed.

On March 16, 2018 report of the state-level probe committee was tabled in assembly without any concrete conclusion. Seven officials including ophthalmologist, an eye surgeon, OT assistants and nurses were suspended.

All affected persons (who lost vision) are getting pension of Rs 5000 per month.