The patient’s right eye developed swelling and hence, she consulted general physician. She was referred to an eye surgeon who diagnosed giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC). The patient was prescribed two eye drops.

She followed up with the doctor after three months. The condition of her eye showed little improvement. The eye surgeon advised to discontinue the second eyedrop, and increased the dosage of first one.

Event three months thereafter, the condition of patient’s eye did not improve. The doctor prescribed an oral steroid, advised to discontinue the eyedrop and re-prescribed the first eyedrop. But to no avail.

The patient consulted another eye specialist. Cataract to the extent of 60% in the right eye and 40% in the left eye was diagnosed. She consulted the eye surgeon with this diagnosis; the doctor concurred with the findings.

The patient, suffering from heart ailments, underwent angioplasty procedure performed at the hospital by a senior cardiac surgeon, supported by a team of doctors. During the procedure, unfortunately, coronary artery was perforated. All efforts to seal the perforation were in vain, the patient died after few hours.

The patient was operated for gall bladder disease. About four months later, she was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer. Soon thereafter, she died.

The patient was a known case of Wolff-Parkinsons-White (WPW) syndrome. He consulted the hospital where a team of senior doctors, including interventional cardiologists and resident doctors, performed Electrophysiology Study (EPS) along with Radio-Frequency Ablation (RFA).

Complications developed during the procedure; the doctors implanted a temporary pacemaker. A permanent double chamber pacemaker was implanted three days thereafter, which malfunctioned after about three months. Another surgery was performed to implant new leads to the pacemaker.

An interesting case was recently reported from a judgement pronounced by the Punjab State Consumer Commission.

The patient accidently fell at home and hence, was admitted to the hospital. Rotator cuff and bankart repair procedures were performed, and an implant was also used. The hospital provided treatment bill which included the implant cost. However, the patient demanded a separate bill for the implant, which the hospital refused.

Many patients / attendants request medical care by specialist of the relevant ailment, and they are right in asking for it. However, is it needed for specialists or super-specialist to be at the helm of critical care units as well? This case aptly answers this question.

The patient, a known case of osteoporosis, diabetes and hypertension was admitted to the hospital with complains of discomfort and uneasiness. He was admitted in ICU under the cardiologist who was directing a MD doctor providing critical care to ICU patients. 

About six hours later, the patient suffered a fatal cardiac arrest and could not be revived.

The patient was traveling in train from Delhi to Kolkata. She suddenly developed rashes on her skin, high fever, headache, had several bouts of vomiting. She consulted the doctor at the hospital.

Several tests, including blood test, were performed. Patient platelet count was extremely low; hence platelets were transfused. Initially, dengue was suspected but after the results reported negative for dengue, a dermatologist was consulted who suspected toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

After nine days, the patient was referred to another hospital where she received treatment for a month or so.