Authorities in Gorakhpur cancelled the licence of New Rajesh Hi-Tech Hospital in Sikriganj town after a post-surgical infection left 12 patients permanently blind in one eye.
District Magistrate Deepak Meena ordered the immediate cancellation on Friday following a magisterial inquiry. The inquiry, headed by Additional District Magistrate Sahdev Mishra, submitted its report on Thursday evening.
Magisterial Inquiry Reveals Serious Lapses
Earlier, taking cognisance of media reports, the district magistrate had ordered the probe on February 12. The inquiry team recorded statements from affected patients and examined hospital records before finalising its findings.
In parallel, Chief Medical Officer Dr Rajesh Kumar Jha constituted a three-member committee led by ACMO Dr A K Choudhary to conduct a separate investigation. During the probe, authorities sealed the hospital’s operation theatre, collected samples of medicines and surgical instruments, and verified the operating doctor’s professional qualifications.
Infections After Cataract Camp Leave 12 Permanently Blind
Officials reported that around 30 cataract surgeries were performed during a camp organised at the hospital on February 2. Within 24 hours of the procedures, several patients developed severe pain, swelling, and pus discharge from the operated eye.
Subsequently, about 20 patients were found to have developed serious infections. Of these, 12 patients allegedly suffered permanent vision loss in the operated eye.
Bacterial Contamination and Sterilisation Failures Identified
Investigators detected Streptococcus bacteria on a machine used during the surgeries, which they believe caused the infections. Furthermore, the inquiry highlighted significant lapses in sterilisation protocols, infection-control measures, and surgical practices at the facility.
Based on these findings, authorities revoked the hospital’s licence with immediate effect.
District-Wide Inspections Ordered
Following the incident, the health department formed inspection teams to review other private hospitals across the district. Officials aim to ensure strict compliance with sterilisation and infection-control standards to prevent similar incidents.
However, Dr Jha noted that no formal written complaint has been filed by the affected patients so far. Consequently, authorities have not registered an FIR at this stage.
Overall, the administration has initiated corrective and preventive measures while reaffirming its commitment to patient safety and regulatory enforcement.