The Gujarat State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has clarified that patients receiving free treatment are still considered consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, as hospitals provide a “service." This decision led the Commission to refer an old case to the District Forum for re-examination.
The case, dating back to 2015, involves a patient’s family’s demand for compensation following alleged medical negligence that resulted in the patient’s death. Despite the free treatment provided by the hospital, the Commission has ordered the District Forum to re-examine the case within six months.