Fourteen people who underwent cataract surgery at a hospital in Washim district, Maharashtra, have lost vision in one eye after developing an infection from the procedure. Around 22 patients were taken to Sir JJ Hospital in Mumbai after complaints of swelling, pain and loss of vision. A Hindustan Times report said the Maharashtra health department has suspended five employees, including an ophthalmic surgeon, medical superintendent and three ophthalmic officers, for negligence.

Preliminary investigations suggest that contaminated surgical instruments might have caused bacterial infection. Teams have been sent to track down all 171 patients who were operated on during the cataract drive at the district hospital in October. Health department officials said the loss of eyesight could have been avoided if the Washim hospital alerted the department as soon as the patients developed complications. The patients were also referred to Akola Medical College instead of better equipped hospitals in Mumbai and Pune, said the State Directorate of Medical Education and Research. Dean of Sir JJ Hospital, Dr TP Lahane, claimed it was a clear case of medical negligence, and that the surgical tools used might not have been sterilised properly.