Gorakhpur Cataract Surgery Tragedy: A routine cataract surgery camp in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, has turned into a heartbreaking medical tragedy. Nine patients were forced to have one of their eyes removed, while nine others permanently lost vision in one eye after developing a severe infection following surgeries at a private facility. Authorities have sealed the hospital and ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
The surgeries were conducted on 30 patients during a special eye camp on February 1 at New Rajesh Hitech Hospital. According to officials, several patients began experiencing intense pain, swelling, and discharge from the operated eye within 24 hours of the procedure. What initially appeared to be routine post-operative discomfort quickly escalated into a serious health crisis.
Health department investigations later confirmed that at least 18 patients developed a bacterial infection. As their condition deteriorated, many were referred to hospitals in Delhi, Lucknow, and Varanasi for advanced treatment. Some of the worst-affected patients are currently undergoing care at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
In multiple cases, doctors had no option but to surgically remove the infected eye to prevent the infection from spreading further. One patient reportedly regained partial vision after treatment, but for many others, the damage was irreversible.
District Magistrate Deepak Meena confirmed that the hospital has been sealed and a magisterial inquiry has been ordered. Authorities have stated that strict action will be taken if negligence is established, including cancellation of the hospital’s registration. Chief Medical Officer Dr Rajesh Jha described the episode as a serious lapse and assured that accountability would be fixed once the inquiry report is submitted.
Several of the procedures were reportedly performed under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Patients have alleged that they were discharged just hours after surgery and began facing complications the very next day. Medical experts say cataract surgery is generally safe when conducted under proper sterile conditions, but any compromise in hygiene or post-operative monitoring can lead to severe infections such as endophthalmitis, which may cause permanent blindness.
The human impact of the tragedy is devastating. Paradeshi, one of the affected patients, said doctors informed him that he had lost vision in his operated eye and warned that removal might be necessary depending on medical reports. Sahwan Ali from Gola recounted how her condition worsened the day after surgery, with bleeding from the eye forcing her family to rush her to Delhi. Doctors eventually removed one eye. “I can no longer see,” she said.
Shankarawati from Rahdauli underwent eye removal surgery at a hospital in Varanasi. She now lives in fear of losing sight in her remaining eye, as she continues to experience pain and blurred vision. Her family has warned that they will pursue legal action if further complications arise.
Mass eye camps are often organized to provide affordable treatment to economically weaker sections. However, this incident has raised serious questions about safety protocols, sterilization standards, and monitoring practices during high-volume surgical camps. Authorities are examining whether proper infection control measures were followed and whether discharge procedures were prematurely handled.
The case has triggered outrage among residents and health activists, who are demanding strict punishment for those responsible and adequate compensation for the victims. For the families who entered the hospital hoping to restore sight, the outcome has been life-altering. What was meant to bring light back into their lives has instead left many in permanent darkness.