Gorakhpur Cataract Camp Disaster: 9 Blinded, 9 Lose Eyes After Infection

• A cataract surgery camp in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, led to a medical disaster, leaving 9 patients blind in one eye and 9 others without an eye.
• The surgeries, performed on February 1 at New Rajesh Hi-Tech Hospital under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, resulted in a severe bacterial infection within 24 hours.
• Patients experienced intense pain, swelling, and discharge, with 18 rushing back to the hospital; some were referred to super-specialty hospitals in Varanasi, Lucknow, and New Delhi.
• The Uttar Pradesh health department's culture report confirmed bacterial infection, leading to a magisterial inquiry, sealing of the hospital's eye department, and proceedings to cancel its registration.
• The incident has sparked political outrage, with the opposition accusing the state government of negligence, while the ruling BJP emphasizes swift administrative action.