Investigation Launched After Patients Lose Vision at Tangier Hospital

An investigation has been launched at the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Tangier after 15 diabetic patients experienced severe vision loss following treatment. The patients, who received injections as part of routine medical care, developed severe inflammation leading to significant vision impairment. The hospital has contacted all 18 patients who received the same treatment, revealing similar symptoms in most cases.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has formed a special committee to investigate the incident. The National Blood Agency and the Anti-Infection Committee have also intervened, collecting blood samples from affected patients to determine the cause of the inflammation. The investigation aims to ascertain whether the inflammation is due to a chemical change in the drug's composition or other contaminants.

Most of the affected patients are elderly diabetics with pre-existing vision impairments due to the chronic disease. A hospital source, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the vision of the affected patients was already poor, with an average visual acuity of 2/10, making the impact of the inflammation more severe. The source also noted that a specialized medical team is monitoring all registered cases, with final outcomes expected in about three months.

The hospital has denied that the injections were past their expiration date, with the source confirming that the drug's validity extends until September 30, 2028. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the inflammation, with some patients having received the same injection up to five times previously without issues.

**Context:** This incident highlights the critical importance of stringent quality control and patient monitoring in healthcare settings, particularly when dealing with vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic conditions.