More than 40 people, mostly women, who underwent cataract operations at a free camp in a government hospital in Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu, have lost their sight.

The patients, who complained of severe pain after the operation on January 24, were rushed to the Madurai Government Hospital in batches for treatment.

"The patients had complained of pain on the third day after the operation and when we opened the bandage we were shocked to see that the eyes were badly infected," a doctor at the hospital said.

"Restoring the sight is very difficult due to fungal infection in the eyes," he added.

The patients were from Andipatti, Periyakulam and other neighbouring places.

"Before the operation we had at least hazy vision, but now it is total darkness," two of the patients said.

Most of the patients said there was relief from pain, but they could not see anything.

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 71 Sub: warning only for moneyseeking doctors we, the youth severely warn the careless selfish moneyseeking monkeys (doctors), who made such a stupid thing. severe action must be takenagainst them. they must ... Posted by subbu Sub: Oh Jesus! Let us not use live patients as lab specimens for the "just out of college" docs. Posted by Gadiraju Sub: government and non profit organisations should help those poor ones in some or the other way There should be a thorough enquiry into the whole happening the guilty should be punished. but doesn't find justice to those who lost there eyes. ... Posted by Rajesh Mereddy Sub: eye surgery The Govt. of India should set up some standards for these kind of free camps.I was realyy shocked on reading this information.For no mistake of ... Posted by abbas raza Sub: Gross Negligance Totaly unforgivable blunder from doctors. Doctors deserve life time sentance. Sumanth Posted by Sumanth