Gorakhpur Hospital Sealed After 9 Patients’ Eyes Removed, 9 Others Lose Vision Post Cataract Surgeries

Gorakhpur: In a deeply disturbing incident, at least nine patients had to undergo surgical removal of their eyes, while nine others reportedly lost vision following cataract surgeries at a private hospital in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The district administration has sealed the hospital and launched a high-level inquiry into the matter.

According to health officials, the patients underwent cataract procedures during a camp held earlier this week. Within 24 hours of the surgeries, several patients began experiencing severe pain, swelling, redness, and discharge from the operated eyes. Their condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting immediate referrals to higher medical centres.

Doctors later diagnosed acute post-operative infections, suspected to be endophthalmitis — a rare but serious complication that can occur after eye surgery if sterility protocols are compromised. Despite efforts to control the infection, nine patients reportedly developed such severe complications that their infected eyeballs had to be surgically removed to prevent the spread of infection. Nine other patients are said to have suffered permanent vision

loss.

District authorities sealed the hospital premises and constituted a committee comprising senior ophthalmologists and health department officials to investigate possible medical negligence, lapses in sterilisation procedures, and the quality of medicines and equipment used during the surgeries.

The Chief Medical Officer stated that samples of surgical instruments, medicines, and operation theatre swabs have been sent for laboratory testing. Statements of hospital staff and surgeons involved in the procedures are being recorded.

Family members of the affected patients staged protests outside the hospital, demanding strict action against those responsible and adequate compensation for the victims. Many of the patients reportedly belonged to economically weaker sections and had undergone surgery under a government-supported health scheme.

Officials assured that if negligence is established, criminal proceedings will be initiated under relevant sections of the law. The state health department has also directed a review of similar surgical camps to ensure adherence to safety standards and prevent recurrence of such incidents.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the monitoring of private healthcare facilities and the implementation of safety protocols during mass medical procedures.