Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A 62-year-old woman passed away while preparing for cataract surgery at Hukumchand Polyclinic on Thursday afternoon. However, doctors asserted that the tragedy occurred before the actual procedure began. The deceased person, who was Lalita Raju, hailed from North Toda.
Dr. Kamla Arya was to conduct the operation, but the lady fell down just a few minutes after an anesthesia injection in her eye. After the fall, she was taken to MY Hospital, where she was pronounced brought dead by doctors. Her family members were meanwhile accusing the doctor of negligence during treatment, resulting in a ruckus at the hospital.
Responding to the issue, Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. BS Saitya promptly shifted Dr. Arya on Friday from Hukumchand Polyclinic to District Hospital and ordered an inquiry into the incident. "A six-member committee, headed by Civil Surgeon Dr. GL Sodhi, has been formed to investigate the incident. The panel has been given seven days to submit its findings," Dr. Saitya stated.
Addressing the allegations, Dr. Kamla Arya dismissed claims of negligence, explaining that the patient had a history of hypertension and diabetes. "Initially, we advised against surgery due to her uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure. However, after her medical reports came back within a safe range, a physician provided her with a fitness certificate, allowing us to proceed with the operation," she explained. Dr. Arya further stated that the woman went into shock during the pre-surgical preparations, which led to her unfortunate demise.
CMHO Directs High-Risk Patients to Advanced Medical Centers:
Amidst the unrest caused by the incident, CMHO Dr. Saitya reaffirmed that a thorough investigation was underway. "We have transferred the doctor and launched a formal probe. Additionally, we have instructed Hukumchand Polyclinic to refer high-risk patients to larger private hospitals with advanced facilities. Since the deceased had multiple health complications, we will determine further action based on the findings of the investigation," he added.
Understanding Cataract Surgery:
Cataract surgery is a surgical operation that involves the removal of the natural lens of the eye when it gets clouded, typically because of cataracts. Most often, the cloudy lens is substituted with an artificial one to correct the blurred vision. Cataracts, over time, can impair vision greatly and make it difficult to carry out daily activities.
This operation is conducted by an ophthalmologist, a specially trained eye doctor, and is usually done as an outpatient procedure. This involves patients going home the same day without hospitalization. Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently used eye operations and is very safe and effective.[1]
Purpose of Cataract Surgery:
The main motive for getting cataract surgery is to enhance vision that has been compromised by cataracts. Cataract can lead to blurred vision and sensitivity to light, which complicates activities such as reading, driving, or identifying faces. When cataracts start hampering daily activities, an eye specialist may suggest surgery as the optimal option.
Moreover, cataract surgery can be required if the cloudy lens hinders the diagnosis or treatment of other eye disorders. For example, if a cataract hinders a physician from accurately evaluating or treating conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration, cataract removal can become necessary for the overall health of the eyes.[1]
References:
1. Mayo Clinic. "Cataract Surgery." Mayo Clinic, n.d. Accessed February 12, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cataract-surgery/about/pac-20384765.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)