A case of alleged medical malpractice at the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) has come under scrutiny, with Prof. C.K. Raju, a senior professor at iHub-Data, IIIT Hyderabad, at the center. Prof. Raju alleges that his treatment for macular edema was mishandled by an impersonator, leading to severe complications and a prolonged legal battle for justice.
The incident, which occurred on April 4, 2022, during what was meant to be a routine retinal injection surgery, took a troubling turn. Prof. Raju claims that the person who performed the surgery was not the appointed consultant, Dr. Raja Narayanan, leading to immediate discomfort and suspicion. “Someone else performed the procedure, and I immediately felt something was wrong. The pain was unbearable, and it felt like my retinal walls were being scratched,” Prof. Raju recounted.
This incident marked the beginning of a harrowing ordeal for Prof. Raju, involving 10 additional surgical injections, contrary to the standard practice of one to three injections. He further alleges that counterfeit drugs were used in his treatment, citing pharmacy bills that lacked essential details such as batch numbers and expiry dates, which are mandated by drug control regulations.
Prof. Raju’s efforts to seek justice were met with initial resistance from local authorities, with the Banjara Hills police reportedly refusing to file a First Information Report (FIR). However, a breakthrough came when a new commissioner of police assumed office and ordered a special inquiry into the matter, acknowledging the validity of Prof. Raju’s complaint.
However, concerns regarding impartiality were raised when the medical board convened to review the case included professionals with ties to LVPEI. “The board was to be led by a retina specialist who is an alumnus of LVPEI and an associate of the first accused一- this is like letting them judge their cause,” Prof. Raju argued.
As Prof. Raju sought treatment elsewhere due to complications and distrust towards LVPEI, his case shed light on broader systemic issues within the institute. “There is a larger crime unfolding here, involving the mishandling of medicines and the issuing of fake medical bills and summaries. The extent of potential victims could be significant, given the volume of patients LVPEI handles,” he emphasized.
The alleged impersonation, misuse of medical drugs, and lack of transparency have sparked calls for stringent oversight and a thorough investigation. “The resolution of this case is not just about my fight but about ensuring such malpractices do not go unchecked, potentially harming countless others. It is currently in court, and we’re asking for CCTV footage to be confiscated, which will bring to light all of these facts,” Prof. Raju concluded, underscoring the importance of public vigilance and legal accountability in healthcare.
