Raipur, Chhattisgarh– In an alarming case highlighting potential lapses in healthcare protocols, nine patients have developed serious eye infections following cataract surgeries at Bijapur District Hospital in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. The incident, which has sparked widespread concern and accusations of negligence, involves post-operative complications that could lead to permanent vision loss for some. All affected individuals—eight women and one man—were urgently transferred to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Hospital (commonly known as Mekahara) in Raipur for advanced treatment, where surgeries and intensive care are ongoing. This marks the ninth such cataract-related mishap in the state over the past 14 years, raising questions about systemic failures in drug quality, sterilization, and post-surgical monitoring.
The surgeries took place on October 24, 2025, as part of a routine cataract identification and treatment camp at the district hospital, targeting 14 patients primarily from the remote Usur block. An additional surgery was performed on one patient on November 8. Initial post-operative checks in the first week showed no issues, but during a follow-up examination on Tuesday, November 12, doctors identified infections in nine cases. Symptoms included severe swelling, pain, discharge, and blurred vision, diagnosed as postoperative endophthalmitis—a rare but grave condition caused by bacterial or fungal invasion into the eye’s inner chambers, such as the vitreous and aqueous humor. In one particularly severe instance, a patient’s pupil had begun to decay, necessitating an immediate cornea transplant upon arrival in Raipur. Six others underwent vitrectomy procedures to remove infected vitreous fluid, while all nine received intravitreal antibiotic injections. One patient’s eye remains relatively unaffected and is under observation, but experts warn that the swelling makes it difficult to fully assess long-term vision impact.
Relatives of the patients have voiced outrage, alleging negligence in post-surgery care and pointing fingers at substandard medications or inadequate hygiene. “The hospital failed to provide proper follow-up, and now our loved ones are fighting for their sight,” said a family member of one affected woman, speaking anonymously. Eye specialists, including Dr. Subhash Mishra, a noted ophthalmologist, has suggested that contaminated drugs, eye drops, or surgical instruments—possibly supplied by the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation (CGMSC)—could be the culprits. “Such infections often stem from substandard quality in medications or reactions that lead to swelling. We’ve seen this pattern before,” Dr. Mishra explained. Poor rural hygiene and delayed interventions may have exacerbated the risks, with the infections emerging around 20 days post-surgery—a timeline indicative of serious lapses.
In response, the state health department has acted swiftly. Commissioner-cum-Director of Health Services Dr. Priyanka Shukla constituted a three-member inquiry committee on November 13, comprising Dr. Nidhi Atriwal (State Programme Officer for Blindness Control), Dr. Mahesh Sandia (Joint Director of Health Services, Bastar Division), and Dr. Sarita Thomas (Ophthalmic Surgeon from Jagdalpur District Hospital). The panel has been tasked with inspecting the Bijapur facility, examining surgical records, and identifying root causes, with a report due within three days. All new eye surgeries at Bijapur District Hospital’s operation theater have been suspended pending the probe, and samples of drugs, equipment, and OT cultures are being tested. Bijapur’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ratna Thakur confirmed mild infections but emphasized the seriousness, noting that pre-surgery OT cultures were conducted. At Mekahara, Superintendent Dr. Santosh Sonkar assured that all necessary resources are available, though it’s unclear if the fault lies with medical staff or patient non-compliance.
This incident is not isolated. Chhattisgarh has witnessed eight similar cataract surgery fiascos since 2011, resulting in over 141 patients losing vision in one eye between 2011 and 2018 alone. Past investigations, including one by the Drug Laboratory in Kolkata, repeatedly pinpointed substandard drugs administered during or after procedures. Recent cases include 13 infections in Dantewada in 2024 due to fungal buildup in the OT, leading to three health workers’ suspensions, and five patients in Kanker in 2022 affected by contaminated drops and bandages. Other affected districts over the years include Kawardha, Balod, Durg, Bagbahara, Rajnandgaon, and Raipur. Critics argue that recurring issues stem from flawed procurement processes and insufficient oversight in remote areas.
Politically, the case has drawn fire from opposition leaders. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel lambasted the current administration for distributing inferior drugs and demanded immediate compensation for victims, along with stringent action against those responsible. Health officials have urged the remaining five patients from the October 24 camp to seek prompt check-ups if they experience symptoms, emphasizing preventive measures. As the inquiry unfolds, this tragedy underscores broader challenges in India’s public healthcare system, particularly in underserved regions like Bastar. Experts call for enhanced sterilization standards, quality checks on pharmaceuticals, and better training for surgical teams to avert future disasters. The affected patients continue to receive care in Raipur, with hopes that timely interventions will preserve their vision.
