DMK legislator R. Rajendran (Salem - North) moved a special calling attention motion in the Assembly on Wednesday seeking a judicial inquiry into the botched cataract surgeries performed at Mettur Government Hospital last month, in which the vision of 23 persons was affected.
Replying to the motion, Health Minister C. Vijaya Baskar said the 23 patients had developed infection following the surgery and the State government has been made arrangements for their treatment.
Over 5.4 lakh cataract surgeries have been performed under the National Programme of Control of Blindness in the State, he said. “Of the 23 persons affected, two have got back their vision, while the infection is under control for 17 persons and four are undergoing treatment. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has announced a solatium of Rs. 3 lakh to all these patients,” the Minister said.
When AIADMK legislator S. Semmalai (Mettur) said the government has taken action over the incident immediately, Mr. Rajendran alleged that the solatium announced by the Chief Minister has not reached the patients so far.
