A team of doctors at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Haryanas Rohtak, fear that many patients who underwent cataract surgeries at a government hospital between February 27 and March 11, could lose sight after "mishandled procedure and incorrect medicines".

The alleged cases of medical negligence in Haryana came to light on Wednesday. The state health department is investigating the matter.

Thirty-eight patients were moved to PGIMS after they complained of severe eye pain and infection. Doctors of the special retina unit team at PGIMS said that the condition of the eyes of these patients were "critical".

Presently, Kurukshetra district health authorities have suspended all eye surgeries at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Civil Hospital. A team led by Dr. Arshudeen, chief of Haryana health services, visited the hospital to investigate these cases.

Samples of equipment, chemicals, medicines, roof and floor of the operation theatre have been collected to ascertain the cause of infection, according to Dr. Arshudeen. A senior eye surgeon, who had performed around 100 cataract surgeries is also being questioned.

Many of these patients had been referred to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. PGIMER confirmed that its Advanced Eye Centre (AEC) received 24 patients of post cataract surgery endophthalmitis – an inflammation of the interior of the eye, over the last couple of weeks.

Many patients were operated for the second time after these botched up cataract surgeries. "Till now 19 patients have been operated...all the patients are doing well on topical and systemic antibiotics. Their vision is gradually improving. None of the patient has complete loss of vision. Eleven patients have been discharged and advised regular follow up," PGIMER said in a statement. It was further reported that 13 patients are still admitted in AEC and they are being monitored on a daily basis.

The medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Manjit Singh said that a team of doctors is assessing the situation. They will recommend to the state government to pay medical bills of patients affected, he added.