In Ternopil region, 18 people lost their sight due to actions of ophthalmologists
As reported by the Ternopil Regional Prosecutor's Office, from March 2022 to February 2023, three ophthalmologists, acting under the instructions of the head of the department, administered to patients a drug that is prohibited for use. For this procedure, they demanded from 8,000 to 34,000 hryvnias.
As a result of complications, seven victims had to have their eye removed. According to investigators' calculations, the state spent nearly 900,000 hryvnias on the treatment of the victims.
"Prosecutors demand the suspension of four ophthalmologists from the district hospital," – states the prosecutor's office message.
Criminal proceedings against four doctors are under review by the Chortkiv District Court.
The medical professionals are accused of improper performance of professional duties, receiving unlawful benefits through extortion, and official negligence (Part 1 of Article 140, Part 4 of Article 368-4, Part 2 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). According to the charges, the doctors face penalties ranging from a fine or restriction of liberty up to 2 years — to imprisonment for up to 8 years with confiscation of property and a ban on holding certain positions.
