Bhind eye camp tragedy: Vision lost, but hope for justice still dim

Gulshan Parutihi - Gwalior

6 elderly people lost their eyesight while undergoing treatment at a free eye camp organised at Kripe Ka Pura village in Gormi, Bhind district. This tragedy has not only brought darkness in their lives but has also put a heavy burden on their families. Following the negligence by Gwalior's Kalra Hospital, the health department has only sealed the operation theatre (OT) of the hospital. But, the question arises that who will be responsible for the ruined lives of these victims?

Pushed into darkness for life

Most of the victims are poor and old. Chironji Lal Sakhwar, Bhagirath Sakhwar, Chunni Bai, Rajveer, Bhuri Bai and Chameli Bai of the village are now completely blind. These elderly people have no other source of income, and are now completely dependent on their families.

But, it is also true that their families, who are already struggling with poverty, are not ready for this new challenge. Some victims' children live outside for work, and some have no one in their families to take care of them.

'Our lives are now dependent on someone's support'

An elderly victim said crying, "We went to the hospital trusting the people, but they ruined our lives. Now there is no one to look after us. Even our children have started considering us a burden. Our lives have been plunged into darkness."

Government's indifference and leaders' silence

After the incident, the local administration has only taken action to close the OT. No legal action has been taken against the guilty doctor and the hospital management so far. There has been no concrete response from the Chief Minister and other leaders as well. The question arises whether the lives of the poor have become so cheap that no voice will be raised on their tragedy?

What is the way forward?

Now the government and society will have to come forward for these victims.

1. Compensation and rehabilitation:

* These elderly should be given adequate compensation.

* The government should provide pension or other assistance for their care and livelihood.

2. Strict action against the culprits:

* Legal action should be taken against the hospital management and doctors.

* Those who organize camps without permission should be punished.

3. Strict rules for medical camps:

* Such camps should be strictly monitored in future.

* Organizers should go through a strict approval process before organizing such events.

Future immersed in darkness

The lives of these elderly will never be normal now. Their daily activities, livelihood and self-reliance have all been snatched away. Will mere paperwork of action be enough to understand their pain? It is time when the administration and society should work together towards giving a new life to these victims.

This tragedy is not just a medical negligence, it is also a serious question on the sensitivity of our society and administration. Will we be able to provide a ray of light to these victims, or will this incident also be lost in the darkness?