Women Compensated For Losing Eye-Sight After Undergoing Cataract Operation

The District Consumer Redressal forum ordered a compensation of Rs one lakh each to two women who lost their eye-sight after undergoing cataract operation at a free medical Camp conducted on behalf of the Theni District Administration on January 24, 2003.

The women submitted that after they underwent the operation at the Periyakulam Government Hospital,they developed severe pain and lost their eyesight. They were referred to the Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital for further check up and underwent treatment there also.However,they did not get back their eye sight.

When they went for a final check up at the Periyakulam Government Hospital on March6,2003,they were told that they had lost their eye sight due to fungal infection.

A team of eight doctors had performed Cataract operation for 47 persons at the Periyakulam Government hospital on January 24 and 25.

All of them lost their eye sight due to fungal infection detected in the theatre. Later, they discovered that a rat had died in the AC equipment of the theatre,and it had caused the infection.

Judge Sankranarayana Pillai,who heard the women's petition seeking compensation, ordered that the Government should collect Rs.Two Lakh from the Dean of the Periyakulam Government hospital, Joint director of Health services,Theni district administration, and Senior Civil surgeon responsible for the operation theatre, and pay Rs.One lakh each with 12 per cent interest.The Judge also ordered that Rs.5000 be paid as costs.

Source:PTI News