Date:29/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/29/stories/2008082960821000.htm

Tamil Nadu

Compensation given to eye patients

Special Correspondent

29 patients get Rs.1 lakh each

Cheques handed over to the patients
Action based on report from four-member panel

TIRUCHI: Health Minister M.R.K.Pannerselvam on Thursday distributed compensation of Rs.1 lakh each to the 29 patients undergoing treatment at the Joseph Eye Hospital here for complications following cataract surgeries at the hospital’s satellite centre in Perambalur last month.

Accompanied by Transport Minister K.N.Nehru and Forest Minister N.Selvaraj, Mr. Paneerselvam handed over the cheques to the patients.

Later, in a brief interaction with reporters, the Health Minister said 65 patients, who developed complications after the surgery, were given the relief at Tiruchi and Villupuram.

The four-member medical committee constituted to probe the incident was yet to submit its report. Based on it, action would be taken.

Answering a query, the Minister said henceforth no organisation/institution should organise medical camps without permission from Collectors. Institutions should apply to the officers for permission well in advance.

Collector T. Soundiah and N. Balasubramanian, Dean-cum-Special Officer, Perambalur Government Medical College, who heads the inquiry team, were present.