A routine cataract surgery camp at a government hospital in Chhattisgarh has turned into a medical crisis after 9 out of 14 patients developed serious eye infections, prompting immediate intervention from state health authorities.
The incident occurred at a district-level facility where a series of cataract surgeries were conducted as part of a public outreach program. Following complaints of pain, swelling and blurred vision, patients were rushed back for evaluation — revealing post-operative infections in the majority of those operated on.
What Went Wrong?
Preliminary reports suggest possible lapses in sterilization, including:
Contamination of surgical instruments
Inadequate sterilization of operation theatre
Issues with post-operative care protocols
Improper handling of surgical consumables
Health officials say the exact cause will be known only after microbiological testing of equipment and samples.
Health Authorities Launch Probe
The Chhattisgarh Health Department has ordered:
A three-member investigation committee
Immediate suspension of cataract surgeries at the facility
Transfer of affected patients to higher medical centres
Sterilization audit of the hospital’s eye department
The administration has also sought a detailed report from the operating surgeon and support staff.
Condition of the Patients
According to doctors, several patients have developed symptoms of:
Severe redness
Discharge
Swelling
Decreased vision
Some may require advanced treatment, including:
Intravitreal antibiotic injections
Repeat procedures
Possible corneal or retinal interventions if infections worsen
Early detection will determine the severity of long-term complications.
Recurring Pattern in Eye Camps?
This is not the first time such incidents have surfaced in India.
Large-scale eye camps and mass surgeries, especially in rural or resource-limited hospitals, often face risks related to:
Heavy caseloads
Inadequate sterilization cycles
Understaffed surgical teams
Supply-chain quality issues
Experts argue that without strict compliance to sterilization and staffing standards, such events can recur.
State Response and Accountability
The state health minister has assured strict action if negligence is confirmed.
The administration is also reviewing:
The hospital’s sterilization logbooks
Vendor supply quality
OT staff qualifications
Surgery approval protocols
Patient families are demanding accountability and compensation.
Public Health Experts Raise Concerns
Experts emphasize that cataract surgeries — one of the most common and safe procedures globally — should never result in cluster infections if protocols are followed.
They highlight the need for:
Stronger audit systems
Better OT infrastructure
Regular training for surgical and sterilization staff
External quality checks for rural hospitals
Conclusion
The Chhattisgarh cataract infection cluster is a disturbing reminder of the vulnerabilities in India’s public health and surgical safety systems.
From sterilization lapses to procedural oversight, the incident underscores the urgent need for ensuring strict adherence to clinical standards — especially in high-volume government-run programmes.
A transparent investigation and corrective measures will be essential to restore public trust.
FAQs
Q1. How many patients were affected?
A: Nine of the fourteen patients developed post-surgery eye infections.
Q2. What caused the infections?
A: Likely sterilization lapses, though the exact cause is under investigation.
Q3. What action has been taken?
A: A probe committee has been formed, surgeries suspended, and patients transferred for further care.
Q4. Can these infections lead to permanent damage?
A: If untreated, severe infections can affect vision; timely intervention is crucial.
Q5. Are mass eye surgery camps risky?
A: They can be safe, but lapses in sterilization and staffing make them vulnerable to cluster infections.
Published on : 13th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit:Press Trust of India (PTI) | Health News Desk