Eight patients lose eye due to bacteria after cataract effort in RN

The joint effort was carried out between the 28th (the day the contamination occurred) and the 29th, that is, on the eve of the election, in which the mayor was a candidate for re-election — Tiago Almeida (PSDB) won. The opposing party, MDB, filed a lawsuit alleging abuse of power due to the action on the eve of the vote.

Contracted company and maternity

To carry out the surgeries, the city contracted the maternity hospital and the company, which would receive R$59,000 for the 48 surgeries (20 on the first day and 28 on the second). The amount, however, has not yet been paid. The municipal management says that payment will only be made — or not — after the end of the investigations that are being carried out to understand what happened.

The surgeries were performed by the company Oculare Oftalmologia Avançada Ltda., from Pernambuco, hired through a bidding process to carry out the joint effort. She said, in a statement, that the joint effort was carried out with an “experienced ophthalmologist” and ensures that “the required medical and safety protocols” are followed.

The company also says that it works with health authorities to investigate and resolve the situation. “Affected patients are receiving all medical assistance, including treatment with antibiotics, in accordance with the best ophthalmological protocols, as well as undergoing vitrectomy in indicated cases”, adds Oculare, in a note.

According to city hall, the surgeries were carried out for the first time in the city to provide “more comfort” to patients, without the need for travel. Previously, these procedures took place in neighboring cities with more structure.