Imphal, November 18: Along with compensating for the botched cataract operation performed on five patients at District Hospital, Bishnupur on February 23 this year during a free cataract operation camp organised by District Blindness Control Society, Bishnupur under the sponsorship of Manipur Blindness Control Society, the State Government would also be meeting all the expenses required for the treatment of the patients.

The report of the inquiry conducted on the incident by doctors of State Health Department and RIMS also mentioned that operation have been performed simultaneously on both eyes of the patient.

Disclosing this to The Sangai Express, a reliable source informed that the report of the inquiry submitted to the Government recommended payment of compensation to the five victims and meeting the medical expenses of their treatment.

According to the inquiry report, a total of 15 patients were reportedly operated upon for removing cataract during the free medical camp conducted by a team of doctors led by Dr Yaima who is also the Programme Officer of Manipur Blindness Control Society on February 23 last.

Other team members were Dr P Binata, Dr Kh Rajendro and Dr RK Bidyarani.

However, after the operation, five of the patients lost their eye sight.

The inquiry report also pointed out that the doctors have conducted operation simultaneously on both eyes of the patient, which is against the established norm.

Based on the inquiry report, the Health Department has recommended to the State Government for paying compensation to the five patients who subsequently lost their eye sights after the operation and the State Government has also forwarded a proposal to the Finance Department for meeting all the medical expenses for the treatment of the five patients outside Manipur, the source disclosed.

It is also likely that the Government would be carrying out departmental inquiry against the doctors who were involved in cases of botched eye operations, the source added.

The five patients, whose cases have been taken up even in the State Assembly for discussion are Thoudam Ibecha (47) of Heinoubok Maning Leikai, Pebam Achoubi Devi (55) of Nambol Phoijing Chingmang, Huidrom Ibobi (80) of Ishok Maning Leikai, Moirangthem Leirik Devi (65) of Moirang Kumam Leikai and Wahengbam Manao Devi (65) of Nambol Khathong Makha Leikai.

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