Gujarat HC takes suo motu cognisance of 17 persons suffering from vision loss after cataract surgery

As many as 17 persons have complained of partial or complete loss of vision after undergoing cataract surgery at a trust-run hospital in Ahmedabad district, prompting authorities to order a probe.

Ahmedabad: Taking suo moto cognisance, Gujarat High Court on Wednesday sought a report from the state government after 17 persons reportedly suffered loss of vision after undergoing cataract surgery in Ahmedabad.

A division bench of Justice A S Supehia and Justice V K Vyas took cognisance of a news report published in Ahmedabad Mirror and said that the incident was 'glaring and deplorable.' Soon after the news flash, Home Minister Rushikesh Patel rushed to the government hospital to meet the victims.

Stating that the article didn't refer to any complaint filed by the government against erring medical officials, the bench said the incident required a thorough investigation. It directed the registry to register a suo motu PIL and issued notices to the state government for filing a preliminary report.

Meanwhile, Minister Patel met the 17 victims admitted to M & J Institute of Ophthalmology in Ahmedabad. He told reporters that on January 16, a committee of expert doctors was formed for "an accurate, impartial and prompt investigation of the entire incident."

The minister said 29 persons had undergone cataract surgery at Ramanand Eye Hospital, which is run by Shree Seva Niketan Trust in Mandal, Ahmedabad district. Out of them, 11 males and 6 women complained of loss of partial and complete eyesight. Patel said the exact medical condition of all patients will be shared officially by the M & J Hospital.

When asked about repeated incidents including one in Amreli last year, the minister said the government took action. In Amreli case, eight patients complained of infection following the procedure. Many of them had lost their vision completely.