4 ophthalmologists suspended due to patient vision loss scandal: details of the case

According to glavcom.ua: The supervisory authority requires the suspension of 4 ophthalmologists from the district hospital, whose actions led to the harm of 18 patients. This was reported by Glavkom referring to the Ternopil Regional Prosecutor's Office.

The prosecutors, as noted, sent a motion to the court for the suspension of the doctors accused of improper performance of medical professionals' duties, resulting from negligent or dishonest treatment, if it led to severe consequences for patients (part 1 of article 140 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), receiving illegal benefits for themselves, combined with extortion, by a person engaged in professional activities related to the provision of public services (part 4 of article 368-4 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and official negligence, which caused serious consequences (part 2 of article 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Three doctors, as mentioned by the prosecutors, from March 2022 to February 2023, on the instruction of the head of the department, administered prohibited drugs to patients. Each of them unlawfully received from patients from 8 to 34 thousand UAH, demanding this money for the administration of the drug. As a result of such 'treatment,' 18 patients were harmed, 15 of whom lost vision in one eye, and 3 in both. Due to complications from the disease after the administration of the drug, 7 patients underwent surgery to remove an eye. Due to the unlawful actions of the doctors, the state incurred damages of almost 900 thousand UAH spent on the treatment of the victims.

Since the medical workers continue to work in the hospital, due to the risks of influencing staff and patients, the prosecutors sent a motion to the Chortkiv District Court, which considers criminal proceedings against the doctors, to suspend them from their positions.

In the Ternopil region, the prosecutor's office demands the suspension of four ophthalmologists due to harmed patients who faced serious complications due to improper treatment. The doctors unlawfully received funds from patients and administered prohibited drugs, which led to vision loss in many cases. The affected patients are now under the control of the prosecutor's office, and the medical professionals may be suspended from their positions in accordance with the court's decision.