The Giza Misdemeanors Court is scheduled to resume hearing the case against 10 medical staff members from 6th of October Hospital, who are accused of causing permanent damage to 76 patients, leaving them blind. The defendants include the hospital's director, maintenance officials, head of infection control, operating room supervisors, and three doctors who performed cataract surgeries.
According to reports from the Ministry of Health's infection control committee, the incident was linked to contaminated equipment and poor sterilization procedures. The committee found that the hospital's equipment, including the phaco machine, was not properly sterilized, creating an environment conducive to the spread of infection. The report highlighted that the hospital's infection control measures were inadequate, and the equipment was not properly maintained.
The investigation revealed that on August 31, 2025, two patients were admitted with severe eye infections after undergoing cataract surgery on August 28, 2025. The head of the ophthalmology department at 6th of October Hospital, Dr. [name], reported that he informed the hospital administration and infection control officials about the potential outbreak of a bacterial infection.
Dr. [name] stated that despite his concerns, the hospital administration decided to proceed with a scheduled surgery list on September 1, 2025, with some modifications. However, four more patients with eye infections were reported on the same day, leading to the cancellation of the surgery list. Further investigation revealed that the infections were caused by a bacterial infection, specifically Klebsiella.
The hospital administration formed a committee to investigate the incident, which concluded that there was gross negligence and a lack of adherence to infection control protocols. The committee's findings were supported by reports from the Ministry of Health, the Forensic Medicine Department, and the hospital's own quality control department.
The accused medical staff, including the hospital's director and three doctors, face charges of causing permanent harm to 76 patients. If convicted, they could face severe penalties. The case has sparked widespread concern about the safety and quality of healthcare services in Egypt.
The incident has also raised questions about the accountability of medical staff and hospital administrators in ensuring patient safety. The case is ongoing, and the court is expected to hear further testimony and evidence before reaching a verdict.
Key points
- 10 medical staff members are accused of causing mass blindness in 76 patients at 6th of October Hospital.
- The incident was linked to contaminated equipment and poor sterilization procedures.
- The case has sparked widespread concern about the safety and quality of healthcare services in Egypt.
