HYDERABAD: A police complaint was lodged against the government-run Sarojini Devi (SD) Eye Hospital in Hyderabad after at least 7 patients who had undergone cataract surgeries experienced pain and loss of vision.

Preliminary tests have revealed that the patients were affected by bacteria called Klebsiella, which was found in the Ringer's Lactate or RL solution that was used to wash their eyes.

The hospital says 7 people underwent cataract surgery last Thursday. All those operated in Operation Theatre 2 were affected.

The common factor doctors found was a bottle of sodium lactate, called RL solution that they say was used for all 13 patients.

The administration has ruled out negligence on the part of the doctors or paramedical staff. Jitedra Reddy, son-in-low of one of the affected persons, Anji Reddy (70), alleged negligence on part of the doctors in the complaint, the Inspector said.

A police case was registered by a relative of one of the victims. The hospital has been booked under Section 338 of IPC (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others).

The batch of RL solution was procured by the state's Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation from Nagpur-based Haseeb Pharmaceuticals.

Describing the incident as "unfortunate", the Telangana government had yesterday said best treatment would be provided to the victims and action taken against those responsible for it.