The Telangana Human Rights Commission has recommended a total compensation of Rs 78 lakh for 18 patients who suffered severe visual complications following cataract surgeries conducted in 2018 under the government’s Kanti Velugu program. The recommendation, issued on July 30, proposes Rs 4 lakh each for 12 surviving patients and Rs 5 lakh each for the next of kin of six patients who died. The case dates back to reports of postoperative complications at a private hospital in Hanamkonda, prompting the commission to take up the matter suo motu.

The commission’s inquiry identified significant concerns involving operating room hygiene, sterilization, infection control, and patient safety. The affected patients reportedly developed severe Enterobacter cloacae eye infections, with some experiencing substantial vision loss and requiring prolonged treatment. During the inquiry, the commission…