In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that a doctor at Hisar Civil Hospital performed 44 eye surgeries despite not having completed his medical degree. The doctor, identified as Dr Vijay, was appointed as an eye surgeon, but his postgraduate course remains incomplete as he has yet to pass the requisite exams. The Health Department has since barred him from performing further surgeries.
Hisar Civil Hospitalâs eye department is known for conducting over 1,000 surgeries annually. However, this year, only 71 surgeries were performed in 11 months. The matter came to public attention when no eye surgeries were conducted for four consecutive months.
According to sources, the Health Department appointed Dr Vijay as an eye surgeon despite his incomplete qualifications. The deputy director of the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) later intervened, issuing orders to halt his surgical duties. However, by the time these directives were implemented, Dr Vijay had already performed 44 eye operations.
Staff Shortages led to the Problem
The eye department at Hisar Civil Hospital has been grappling with a shortage of qualified surgeons. At one point, three surgeons resigned to join private hospitals, leaving the department critically understaffed. In a rush to fill the gap, the department assigned Dr Vijay, who was still pursuing his postgraduate studies, to perform surgeries under the supervision of Dr Jyoti, an experienced eye surgeon from Hansi Civil Hospital.
Between April and July, Dr Jyoti performed 27 surgeries while Dr Vijay conducted 44. However, when Dr Jyoti was promoted and transferred, Dr Vijay was left in charge. This prompted the NPCB to take action, halting surgeries due to his incomplete qualifications. Dr Vijay has since gone on extended leave.
Impact on Patients
The absence of qualified eye surgeons has left Hisar Civil Hospital unable to perform vital procedures such as cataract surgeries, treatment for childrenâs retinopathy, and squint correction. Patients are now being referred to Agroha Medical College or private hospitals, leading to increased costs and inconvenience.
Health Departmentâs Response
Dr Sapna Gehlawat, Chief Medical Officer of Hisar, confirmed that Dr Vijayâs exams are still pending. She stated that a doctor from Agroha Medical College has been deputed to handle outpatient services in the eye department. Dr Gehlawat assured that once Dr Vijay completes his exams, he will be eligible to perform surgeries with the necessary state approval.