The National Human Rights Commission has recommended that the Government of Chhattisgarh pay Rs.50 thousand each to the 16 patients in addition to a similar amount paid by the State Government to them on losing their eyesight in cataract surgery at the Community Health Centre, Bagbehra, District Dhamtari.  The Chief Secretary of the State has been asked to submit compliance report along with the proof of payment within eight weeks along with a status report on the disciplinary proceedings initiated against the three doctors who conducted the cataract surgery on the patients.

          The Commission has observed that the report from the State Government accepted that substandard medicines had been administered to the patients.  Therefore, it has asked the State Government to conduct a detailed enquiry in this regard and initiate criminal action to prosecute the guilty persons. 

          The Commission had taken cognizance of the issue on the 31^st December, 2012 on the basis of a media report wherein it was reported that 15 patients had lost their eyesight due to the negligence of the doctors while carrying out cataract surgery in a camp at Bagbehra.

          In response to the notices of the Commission, the Government of Chhattisgarh, through its Health & Family Welfare Department confirmed that 16 patients had lost their eyesight.  Each of them was paid Rs.50 thousand from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.  One Surgeon, two Eye Assistant Officers and two Staff Nurse have been suspended for negligence and departmental proceedings were initiated against them.  Five medicines used during the operation were found below standard, therefore, suppliers and manufacturers of these medicines were banned for government supply.