Eye surgeries: Probe into allegations of middlemen selling lenses to patients

LUCKNOW: Probe has begun into allegations that middlemen stationed outside the ophthalmology department sell lenses to patients undergoing eye operations at the King George’s Medical University (KGMU).

An attendant had filed a complaint three days ago, saying he was asked to buy lenses for his relative’s surgery as the same were not available at the medical store run by the medical university.

“We made primary inquiry into the complaint and have asked the head of the department, Prof Vinita Singh, to look into the matter,” said chief medical superintendent Prof SN Sankhwar. He added that once the primary report was out action would be taken against the guilty.

The ophthalmology department provides lenses for eye operations under the national blindness control programme via the national health mission.

However, it has been alleged that middlemen often trap attendants and patients, saying the lenses being provided are of poor quality and they should purchase good quality lenses from them (agents).

Notably, there’s no restriction on entry on the campus.

Prof Sankhwar said an inquiry will also be conducted to find out how outsiders were able to sell lenses on campus and if the supply was interrupted, as mentioned in the attendant’s complaint.

“We will consider all the points in the probe,” he said.