Doctors from Ternopil are accused of causing vision loss in 18 patients
In Ternopil region, prosecutors have submitted a petition to the court for the suspension of four ophthalmologists from the district hospital. The doctors are accused of improper performance of their professional duties, extortion, and operational negligence, resulting in 18 patients losing their sight. This was reported by
Glavkomciting the Ternopil regional prosecutor's office.
According to the investigation, from March 2022 to February 2023, three doctors, at the instruction of the department head, administered a prohibited medication to patients. For such 'treatment', they demanded between 8,000 to 34,000 hryvnias.
Consequences for patients and the amount of damage caused
- 15 patients lost sight in one eye.
- 3 patients lost sight in both eyes.
- 7 patients had to undergo surgery to remove their eye due to complications.
In addition, the unlawful actions of the doctors caused the state damage amounting to almost 900,000 hryvnias, which were spent on further treatment of the victims.
Criminal proceedings and suspension of doctors
Criminal proceedings against the doctors are being considered by the Chortkiv District Court. They are charged with offenses provided for by three articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, in particular part 1 of article 140 (improper performance of professional duties) and part 4 of article 368-4 (receiving illegal benefits).
Since the accused continue to work at the hospital, prosecutors submitted a petition for their suspension. This is done to prevent risks of their influence on staff and patients during the judicial process.
After the case is considered in court and the investigation is conducted, the established facts may have serious consequences both for the medical personnel themselves and for public trust in the medical system as a whole. The loss of sight for patients is a serious problem that requires resolution at the level of law and medical ethics.