In a landmark ruling, the Udupi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission awarded ₹13.49 lakh in compensation to a senior nurse, Shivakumar Shettigar (43), after a false Hepatitis C diagnosis caused him to lose a lucrative job opportunity in Saudi Arabia.
Shettigar, a qualified industrial nurse from Udupi, had secured employment with the United Medical Response Company in the Gulf and was set to join in February 2025. However, his pre-departure medical screening—conducted at National CT Scanner and Diagnostic Center, Mangaluru—erroneously reported him as Hepatitis C positive, disqualifying him under Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) medical norms.
Suspecting a mistake, Shettigar underwent retests at a private lab in Manipal and at Udupi District Hospital, both confirming that he was free from the infection.
Claiming medical negligence and emotional trauma, Shettigar filed a complaint against the diagnostic lab, citing the use of faulty testing kits. He argued the error had caused financial loss, career setback, and severe mental distress.
After reviewing all evidence, the consumer forum ruled in Shettigar’s favour on May 21, 2025, ordering the lab to compensate within 45 days. In case of delay, 6% interest per annum will be levied on the amount.
The court’s award includes three years of estimated lost salary (₹82,584/month), medical expenses, and damages for emotional suffering.