Telangana rights panel recommends compensation for 18 cataract surgery victims

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) has recommended compensation for 18 patients who suffered loss of eyesight after cataract surgeries at Jaya Hospital in Hanumakonda under the government’s Kanti Velugu programme. The Commission, headed by Justice Shameem Akther, issued the recommendation in HRC No. 2975/2018 in an order dated July 30, 2026. The Commission [...]<strong>HYDERABAD:</strong> The Telangana Human Rights Commission (<a href="https://hyderabadmail.com/tghrc-suo-motu-khammam-infant-amputation-medical-negligence-case/">TGHRC</a>) has recommended compensation for 18 patients who suffered loss of eyesight after cataract surgeries at Jaya Hospital in Hanumakonda under the government’s Kanti Velugu programme. The Commission, headed by Justice Shameem Akther, issued the recommendation in HRC No. 2975/2018 in an order dated July 30, 2026. The Commission had taken up the matter suo motu after newspaper reports published on September 29, 2018, alleged that 18 patients had lost their eyesight because of medical negligence or wrong treatment. After a detailed enquiry, the Commission examined reports submitted by the Health Department and medical records furnished by L V Prasad Eye Institute. It also considered statements from the victims and their family members and submissions by ophthalmologist Rajeev K. Reddy Pappuru. The Commission found serious deficiencies in the operation theatre, including maintenance, hygiene, use of surgical instruments, sterilisation and infection control. It also found lapses in patient safety and supervision by the authorities concerned. <h2>Victims suffered infection, prolonged treatment and loss of eyesight</h2> The Commission found that the victims suffered severe <em>Enterobacter cloacae</em> eye infection and loss of eyesight. It said they also underwent prolonged treatment and suffered physical and mental distress. The Commission held that the negligence amounted to a violation of the victims’ right to life, health and human dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. <h2>TGHRC seeks probe against doctors, staff and authorities</h2> Exercising its powers under Section 18 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the Commission recommended ₹4 lakh each for 12 surviving victims. It recommended ₹5 lakh each to the next of kin of six victims who had died. The Commission also recommended a detailed enquiry to identify the doctors, staff and other authorities responsible for the lapses. It directed the authorities to take appropriate action against those found responsible under the applicable regulations. The concerned authorities have been directed to implement the recommendations and submit an action-taken report to the Commission.