Gorakhpur, February 1, 2026: On February 1, 2026, nearly 30 patients underwent cataract surgery at a private hospital in Gorakhpur. Within 24 hours, several patients developed severe eye pain, redness, discharge, and swelling. Health authorities later confirmed that 18 patients developed serious post-operative infections. Among them, nine patients lost vision in the operated eye, while nine others required surgical removal of the infected eye to prevent further spread of infection.
District officials sealed the hospital and ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine the cause of the outbreak.
Patients began reporting symptoms soon after discharge. Families observed increasing pain, pus discharge, bleeding, and visual deterioration. Doctors referred multiple patients to tertiary centers in Lucknow, Varanasi, and Delhi for advanced ophthalmic care.
Despite treatment, infection progressed in several cases. Surgeons performed enucleation in nine patients to control the infection and prevent systemic complications.
The cataract surgeries took place on February 1, 2026. Symptoms appeared within a day. By mid-February, authorities documented 18 confirmed cases of post-operative infection. Administrative action followed shortly thereafter, including sealing of the facility and initiation of an official probe.
The affected patients underwent surgery at New Rajesh Hi-Tech Hospital in Gorakhpur. The surgical team performed the procedures as part of an eye camp setting. After complications emerged, district administration and health department officials intervened. Authorities initiated a magisterial inquiry to assess surgical protocols, sterilization practices, and infection control measures.
Preliminary reports suggest a bacterial cause in this cluster. Health officials conducted microbiological culture testing to identify the organism. The final inquiry report will clarify whether contamination occurred due to sterilization failure, compromised surgical instruments, contaminated fluids, or lapses in post-operative care.
Once authorities identified the infection cluster, they sealed the hospital and initiated a magisterial investigation. Officials began reviewing operating theatre records, sterilization logs, surgical instruments, and infection control protocols. Health teams also evaluated laboratory findings to determine the source of infection.
The inquiry aims to establish accountability and recommend corrective measures to prevent recurrence in future surgical camps.
(Rh/SS/MSM)