In a major setback to the state government the National Human Rights Commission today slapped a notice seeking explanation on a reported botched up eye surgeries resulting in the loss of eye sight of 7 patients in the government run Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital on July 7. The incident occurred reportedly for administering infected saline solution during the operation.
Taking serious note of the media reports of negligence on the part of hospital authorities for hushing up the incident, the NHRC took Suo Motu cognizance of the case and asked the government to reply in two weeksthe detailed report of the incident. The NHRC served a notice to Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma and DGP Anurag Sharma and asked them to give detailed report in15 days.
Referring to a media report that in Hyderabad, 7 persons lost an eye each after conducting botched up cataract surgeries at the Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital the NHRC expressed anguish at the diminishing standards. The Commission has observed that the contents of the news item indicate towards the violation of right to health of the patients.
According to the media report, carried on the July 7 the hospital authorities attempted to cover up the incident. The patients were never told what went wrong with their surgery. A case under section 338 IPC is reported to have been registered against the hospital.
It may be said that an expert committee constituted by the government after a visit to the hospital stated that the authorities concerned have done nothing wrong in the case. Health Minister Dr C Lakshma Reddy reportedly said to do justice to the patients and offer necessary health services. (NSS)