Loss of eyesight

Victims demand compensation

12 May 2023 10:06 am - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Several patients who developed complications due to the use of ‘Prednisolone’, an eye drop used after cataract surgeries at three government hospitals, demand financial compensation for the damage caused to their eyes and possible threats to their lives.

One of the victims, P. A. Nandasena, aged 67 is a resident of Bandarawela who recently underwent eye surgery at the Nuwara Eliya General Hospital. Speaking exclusively with the Daily Mirror he said “I was admitted to the hospital on April 04 and underwent cataract surgery on the following day (05) when the medicine in question was applied. Then, I was discharged on April 06.”

“The complications started to present after about 14 days. It’s as if I have a spider web over my operated eye. I started to lose my vision gradually. Troubled by this, I went to the hospital to seek advice and was told to admit myself at the hospital again,” Nandasena recalled.

“Subsequently, five patients including myself were transferred to the National Eye Hospital in Colombo, where several treatments were done to my eye. It was terribly painful,” he said.

Another victim named M Rajarathnam, sharing his experience, said that it was really unfortunate that it happened to poor people like them. “It is now an additional burden to our life,” he lamented.

“We need compensation for what happened to us. Our lives are now in peril. We have nothing to do with it. The fault is with the government. Therefore, we demand financial compensation,” he said. (Sheain Fernandopulle) (Pic by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe)

P. A Nandasena-Bandarawela

M. Rajarathnam

Comments - 16

siri nanayakkara Friday, 12 May 2023 10:49 AM

the same medicine Prednisolone was sold through Private Hospitals

ANTON Friday, 12 May 2023 10:53 AM

PLEASE ASK THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED TO GIVE THIS FROM THEIR OWN EARNINGS WITHOUT GIVING OUR TAX MONEY.

ANTON Friday, 12 May 2023 10:55 AM

DONT EXPECT HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS FROM MENTALY RETARDED AUTHORITIES.

Lank Friday, 12 May 2023 11:08 AM

Please ask them compensation because it is their fault... Ministry of health must pay it ..if you don't do it these people can do more and more like this ..they don't care about people . How many death happens due to doctor negligence

Punchi Friday, 12 May 2023 11:46 AM

If it is Indian supplied money we must nullify any Indian loans and use the money to pay compensation to those affected, their families, their friends and relatives for distress

Quolp Friday, 12 May 2023 01:03 PM

GOSL should look into this matter seriously and ban medicines that are imported from INDIA. China, Taiwan, Swiss, USA made medicines are considered reliable, therefore, bringing them from those countries will ease unnecessary hullabaloo leading to politically motivated problems.

Mahila Saturday, 13 May 2023 03:47 AM

Very good idea. Please implement immediately!! Without delay!! All tighten the belts and reduce consumption and make the Medical services to be paid for by USERS on case by case basis, except those who are aged Pensioners and POOR qualified SAMURDHI recipients!!!?? Exclude all others as 'FEE PAYING PATIENTS'!! Then we will have funds to get medication from Japan, EU, US and UK!!!??

Ram Friday, 12 May 2023 03:00 PM

Investigate to find the persons responsible for placing the order, if tenders were called or order placed without following procedures, in which case the Minister must be held responsible. Soon it will be swept under the carpet

Ram Friday, 12 May 2023 03:02 PM

These victims are poor people who cannot access the legal system. I appeal to the BASL to take up the issue in a Class Action on behalf of all the victims

gamini Friday, 12 May 2023 03:33 PM

Hey Punchi- you want compensation to be paid to friends and relatives? for what- It should be paid only to the victims

Manage Friday, 12 May 2023 06:35 PM

Same incident happened at northern Central private hospital in Jaffna due to poor quality of the operation theatre. STILL NO COMPENSATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE VICTIMS.

eyes Friday, 12 May 2023 07:20 PM

eye surgery also same as this incident in colombo eye hospital that we faced, no one get resposibility

Zaza Friday, 12 May 2023 10:24 PM

I am 85, and both my eyes had cataracts removed about 15 years back. I was discharged within 30 minutes and rested at home to protect my eyes from dirt and dust. Even today I can read and write without glasses. With all the marvels of modern medical technology, someone going blind after a cataract eye operation is unthinkable. This Government brags big yet gets down cheap unbranded medicine from ridiculously cheap sources. All innocent victims blinded for life should be paid Rs.5 million each.

‘Prednisolone’ cheap alternative to better eye drops Saturday, 13 May 2023 12:59 AM

I have had cataract surgery. When I told my older brother, and he knowing asked what eye drop I mentioned ‘Prednisolone’. He said in France where he also had his cataract removed and when he at the time expected like all Sri Lankans alast twenty years to get ‘Prednisolone’, he was smiled at and told that it is considered a third-world country drug that causes many steroid related complications. Our country must start using modernizing in use of medicines, not rely on junk from India that are given up by developed countries decades ago.

Mohamed Adham Saturday, 13 May 2023 08:10 AM

Rambukwella is the main man in this case. But, nothing is going to happen to him. Ranil has to save these sorry assess. Eventually, Tax payer money would be used to pay the necessary compensation to these unfortunate victims and the Crooks go scott free. Wonder of Asia. ONE COUNTRY ONE LAW.

Shan Saturday, 13 May 2023 05:28 PM

it is medicine from India....Indian embassy should be held responsible

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Loss of eyesight

Victims demand compensation

Victims demand compensation

Comments - 16

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