Baripada, June 12 (UDN): The Mayurbhanj district administration has ordered a high-level inquiry into allegations that several elderly tribal residents of Naranpur village were taken to a private nursing home and subjected to eye surgeries without their informed consent.
The incident has sparked outrage in the tribal-dominated village, prompting more than 15 senior citizens to approach the District Collector and submit a formal grievance seeking intervention. Taking serious note of the allegations, Mayurbhanj Collector Hema Kanta Say has directed the Sub-Collector, police officials and district health authorities to conduct a joint investigation and submit a detailed report.
According to complaints lodged by villagers, a group of individuals reportedly visited the village a few days ago and inquired about the health conditions of elderly residents. The villagers alleged that they were later taken to a private healthcare facility under the pretext of medical treatment, where cataract surgeries were performed without their knowledge or explicit consent.
The matter came to light after affected villagers and their family members raised concerns and filed a complaint at the Badasahi police station. They claimed they were not informed that eye operations would be carried out and only realized the nature of the procedure after returning from the hospital.
Responding to the allegations, the Collector described the matter as extremely serious and assured that strict action would be taken if any violation of medical ethics, patient rights or legal procedures is established. He stated that while the surgeries are reported to have been cataract operations, the administration will thoroughly examine whether informed consent was obtained from the patients before the procedures were conducted.
Officials are also reviewing the possibility of compensation and support for affected individuals, depending on the outcome of the inquiry.
The incident has raised concerns about patient consent and healthcare practices in remote tribal areas, with authorities emphasizing that medical procedures must be carried out only after proper counseling and approval from patients and their families.
The investigation report is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the surgeries and determine whether any action is warranted against the individuals or institutions involved.
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