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Gorakhpur Hospital's Licence Cancelled Over Blindness Outbreak
20 Feb
Summary
- Hospital licence cancelled after 12 patients lost sight.
- Post-surgery infections caused permanent blindness.
- Streptococcus bacteria found on surgical equipment.
A private hospital in Gorakhpur has had its licence cancelled with immediate effect following a devastating outbreak of post-surgical infections. The New Rajesh Hi-Tech Hospital in Sikriganj town is implicated after 12 patients developed permanent blindness after undergoing cataract surgeries. These procedures took place on February 2.
A magisterial inquiry was launched on February 12 after media reports highlighted the severe outcomes. The investigation confirmed that approximately 20 patients developed serious infections, with 12 losing vision permanently in their operated eyes. Findings revealed significant failures in sterilisation, infection control, and surgical protocols.
Authorities identified Streptococcus bacteria on a machine used during the cataract surgeries as the likely cause of the widespread infections. The inquiry also noted that no formal written complaints had been received from the affected patients, and consequently, no FIR had been registered as of the report's submission. The Chief Medical Officer confirmed the licence revocation.
