Five turn blind after cataract operation

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI, Dec 1: In a tragic incident, five persons have lost their eyesight following cataract operation at Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital in Guwahati. This incident has now sent shockwaves in the Health sector as Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Health Minister zrul Hussain often claim that in the last one year, the Health department has undertaken massive reforms. The five victims have been identified as Dhaneswar Ramchiary (65) from Amingaon, Rup Chandra Medhi (60) of Fatasil Ambari, Tarini Kanta Medhi (62) of Happy Villa, Uzanbazar, Paribanu Bibi (65) from Hajo and Gangaram Kalita (75) from Hajo. It has been learnt that, 15 persons underwent cataract operation last Friday under Dr Bindu Singla at MMCH and were discharged on Saturday. However, five patients complained of post operation complications on Monday and reported to the hospital. The hospital sent them to Srimanta Sankardev Nethralaya for B-scan. The patients have complained about blindness and they are now under special care at MMCH. Meanwhile, Additiol Superintendent of MMCH Dr Madhav Chandra Rajbangsi has informed that an inquiry has been ordered into the matter. Talking to The Sentinel, he said, “It may be due to operation lapse or post-operation infection. We have ordered an inquiry by a four member panel and they have been asked to submit the report within three days.” It may be mentioned that, way back in 2007 too, 20 patients lost their eyesight following cataract operation at the GMCH.