Gorakhpur Botched Cataract Surgery News: NHRC takes suo motu cognizance

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media news regarding Gorakhpur cataract surgery tragedy. The Commission issued notices to the Government and Police for a detailed report. 

Gorakhpur Botched Cataract Surgery

As per the media report, botched cataract surgeries at a private hospital in Gorakhpur left nine patients with loss of vision, while nine others got an infected eye. In total thirty cataract surgeries were conducted during an Eye Camp on 1st February 2026 at the said private hospital in Gorakhpur. The news report dated 20th February highlighted complaints by the patients regarding severe pain and discharge from operated eye within 24 hours of the surgeries. Since a total of 18 patients developed infections, they were referred to Delhi, Lucknow and Varanasi for medical treatment, as their condition worsened. 

NHRC in Action

NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, as well as the Senior Superintendent of Police, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. A detailed report on Gorakhpur cataract tragedy has been sought by the Commission within 2 weeks.

Source: PIB