The government had earlier said the patients had suffered temporary vision loss due to infection. (File photo)
Taking suo motu cognizance of vision loss to 16 persons after an alleged botched up cataract surgery at a state-run hospital, National Human Rights Commission on Tuesday asked the Tamil Nadu government to spell out the action taken against those responsible for it.
"NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports that sixteen patients including 12 women lost their vision after a botched up cataract surgery at the Government Hospital, Mettur in Salem District of Tamil Nadu between 14 and 16 June,2016," the human rights national watchdog said in a statement.
Issuing notice to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, the Commission observed the incident raised serious issues of violation of human rights of the victim patients due to the "apathetic" attitude of the medical staff at a government hospital.
"The Chief Secretary has been asked to send a report on the incident, the reasons behind it and action taken against those responsible for it. He has been given two weeks to respond," the release said.
Quoting media reports, the rights body said the patients were sent home after the cataract surgery. Though the patients took eye drops, they were unable to see.
"This shocking incident appears to have happened either due to some wrong medicine or some issue with the operation theatre," NHRC said.
The government had earlier said the patients had suffered temporary vision loss due to infection.