JAGGAMPETA (EAST GODAVARI): More shocking details have emerged in the case of botched eye surgeries performed during a free medical camp organised by Koduri Ranga Rao Lions’ Eye Hospital in Jaggampeta of East Godavari district that blinded eight daily wage earners.
Sources close to the investigation team revealed that no qualified anaesthetist was present during the 47 odd surgeries which were performed on April 13 and 14. “A head nur se admini s tered anaesthesia to patients as per the instructions given by a surgeon. The hospital has no ophthalmologist ,” an official o f the district health department told Express on the condition of anonymity.
According to sources from the DM&HO office, a medical officer ad submitted a comprehensive report on the hospital a few years ago, recommending immediate action, but nothing was done. The report had pointed out that among the many organisations which were conduct ing free eye screening and surgery camps in the district, this hospital had the poorest facilities.
“The report had mentioned that despite being ill-equipped and not having the mandatory permissions, the Lion’s Hospital was performing operations which may have dire repercussions,” the official said, adding that the report was set aside by the then DM&HO. Successive DM&HOs also fol - lowed suit, despite several reminders by the medical officer, the official said.
Since 2012, the hospital has conducted close to 4,500 eye surgeries. The government has not announced compensation to the affected so far.