The district consumer disputes redressal commission has directed a private hospital to pay a compensation of Rs10 lakh to a woman in a medical negligence case.
According to an official source, M Anusuya of Sulur, developed abdominal pain in September 2019. An ultrasound scan revealed the presence of gallbladder stones. As her pain persisted, she approached a private hospital at Sivananda Colony, where a doctor recommended an emergency laparoscopic surgery. The doctor also diagnosed her with appendicitis and advised an appendectomy.
The laparoscopic surgery was performed on September 22. However, during her post-surgery stay at the hospital, Anusuya was down with persistent high fever, abdominal distension, severe pain and breathing difficulty. Despite these symptoms, the hospital discharged her on September 25.
After returning home, Anusuya continued to experience severe abdominal pain, breathlessness and difficulty in breathing. When she contacted the doctor, he responded in an unprofessional and dismissive manner.
"The hospital failed to address the complications that arose post-surgery, despite knowing her symptoms. They delayed diagnosing her condition and discharged her without ensuring complete recovery. It affected her ability to function normally," the source said.
Subsequently, Anusuya filed a petition with the district consumer disputes redressal commission. In its ruling, commission president R Thangavel and members P Marimuthu and G Suguna, found the hospital negligent and deficient in its service. The commission ordered the hospital to pay Rs10 lakh as compensation to Anusuya for the mental suffering, emotional trauma and financial loss. The commission also directed the hospital to pay her Rs5,000 towards the cost of legal proceedings.