NHRC demands reports on SD Hospital botched-up cataract operations

In a major setback to the Telangana government, the National Human Rights Commission on Friday 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 after administering infected saline solution during the operation. Taking serious note of the media reports of negligence on the part of the hospital authorities for hushing up the incident, the NHRC took Suo Motu cognizance of the case and asked the government to reply in two weeks with a detailed report of the incident. The NHRC served a notice to the Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma and DGP Anurag Sharma and asked them to give a detailed report in 15 days. The NHRC expressed anguish at the diminishing hospital standards. The Commission observed that the contents of the news items indicate 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 offered to do justice to the patients and also give necessary health services.