The Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has set aside a district forum order directing payment of compensation by St Stephen’s Hospital to a woman for medical negligence.
The commission, comprising President Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal and member Pinki, was hearing the appeal of the hospital against the March 2018 order of the North Delhi district forum holding the hospital negligent and directing a compensation of around Rs 1.08 lakh to the woman, including billed amount, medical charges, litigation cost, and compensation for the physical pain and mental trauma.
In an order dated August 26, the commission said, "The expert opinion categorically mentions that a higher incidence of surgical site infections is known to occur in diabetes, especially following open procedure, and keeping the same in mind, the treating doctors had advised the respondent (woman) a follow-up on July 13, 2007, which was disregarded by the patient and she returned to the hospital on July 15 with a surgical site infection."