NHRC issues notice to Telangana govt over botched eye surgeries

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday issued a notice to the Telanaga government following reports that seven persons lost complete vision in one eye due botched-up cataract surgeries at a state government-run hospital in Hyderabad. 

The Commission took suo-motu cognizance of a media report that seven persons lost vision in one eye after the cataract surgeries at the Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital. Reportedly, saline solution administered during the operation affected their sight, said an NHRC statement. 

"The contents of the news item indicate towards the violation of right to health of the patients," observed the Commission while issuing the notice to Telangana govenrment's chief secretary and the DGP, asking for a detailed report into the matter within two weeks. According to the report, carried on July 7, hospital authorities allegedly attempted to hush-up the matter. The patients were never told what was wrong with their surgery. A case under section 338 IPC is reported to have been registered against the hospital.