Surgeon, nurse suspended; twin probes ordered

CATARACT SURGERY HORROR

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Dec 2: A surgeon and a nurse were today placed under suspension and separate investigations announced by the State government after five persons lost their eyesight following a cataract operation at the Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (MMCH) here.

Additiol Chief Secretary MGVK Bhanu, who visited the hospital today, said eye surgeon Bindu Singla Goyal, who conducted the surgeries, and OT attendant Bhanu Roy have been placed under immediate suspension till the completion of inquiries.

A two member committee comprising the Ophthalmology Head of GMCH and Mission Director of NHM will conduct a probe to find out the reasons that led to the loss of eyesight of the five patients. Health minister zrul Islam has also ordered a separate departmental inquiry.

Fourteen patients were operated upon on November 27 last. On Saturday, nine of them complained of infection. Five patients lost their eyessight completely on Monday.

The patients have been referred to Sankardev Netralaya. Two cases were said to be critical. The government has said it will bear the medical expenses of the victims.