16 go blind at free eye camp in Jaipur: India

At least 16 people are feared to have lost their vision and 27 others have suffered eye-related complications in Sriganganagar district, 

thanks to the alleged negligence of health officials during a free eye camp on Wednesday. The health department had organised the camp at Suratgarh town in the district.

The victims were brought to the city-based SMS Hospital on Sunday. The condition of 16 patients, who have lost their vision, is critical. The mobile surgical unit had operated on 78 people.

“We have made special arrangements and given free medication to the patients. However, they have just been brought in and only after examination, the cause of complication can be detected,” said Narpat Singh Shekhawat, superintendent SMS Hospital.

Sriganganagar collector Bhawani Singh Detha said a team of medical experts had collected samples to find out the reason behind the incident. “Another team is likely to visit the place were the camp was organised,” the collector added. He said it may be possible that the operation theatre was not properly sterlised. He also hinted at wrong medication. Action would be taken against those involved, he added.

After complications were reported on a mass-scale, the victims were initially shifted to a hospital in Bikaner. “Most of the elderly persons, who attended the camp, were either partially blinded or had limited vision. Now, they are completely blind,” said Banwari lal, a victim.

“When the camp organizers realised that something had gone wrong, they brought in another team of doctors who diagnosed the infection,” said Ramesh Lal, son of a patient. “Even after the incident, the administration apparently tried to hush up things. It is alleged that the victims were taken to the Bikaner hospital for “routine” check up.

Hanuman Singh, husband of Hundi Devi said, the authorities told him that the operation of his wife was fine and later took her for “routine” check up and have not provided any explanation for her blindness.

“Hundi Devi had vision in one eye and is now completely blind,” he concluded