The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) in Punjab’s case of medical malpractice and the compensation that was granted as a result highlights the difficulties and complexities of the healthcare system. The patient at the center of this case allegedly experienced serious effects as a result of a gynecologist’s alleged negligence in diagnosis and treatment. The commission’s ultimate ruling, the parties’ arguments, and the court processes all bring to light significant problems with patient care, medical ethics, and legal accountability in the field of medicine.
The incidence occurred in 2018 when the patient visited the treating gynecologist for treatment following conception. The patient’s condition deteriorated and resulted in excruciating abdominal pain after a battery of medical testing, including ultrasound and BETA HCG. The patient’s situation worsened in spite of treatments and consultations; as a result, she required emergency surgery at CMC Ludhiana, where her two Fallopian tubes were removed because they were damaged.
The patient filed a complaint, alleging that the treating physician had neglected him or her, and sought damages for the psychological and bodily harm that resulted from the medical malpractice. The State Commission eventually raised the doctor’s compensation order from Rs 2.5 lakh, which the District Consumer Court had originally ordered.
The main issue with the complaint is that the treating physician neglected to identify and address the patient’s ectopic pregnancy in a timely manner. The patient claimed that the doctor recommended drugs that didn’t treat the underlying medical ailment, even though the ultrasound findings showed obvious indicators of it. The patient’s reproductive organs suffered irreversible harm as a result of the alleged delay and negligence, which will impact her future capacity to become pregnant.
However, the physician justified her conduct by pointing out that the patient disregarded advice to get necessary testing and did not follow up on a regular basis. The physician contended that the drugs were not especially meant for tubal pregnancy, but rather were standard therapies. The doctor’s actions, according to the patient’s advocates and medical specialists, did not meet medical standards and put the patient in danger of dying.
The patient-doctor legal dispute highlights how crucial it is for patients and healthcare providers to communicate and receive prompt and accurate medical diagnosis and treatment. It also calls into question the legal options open to patients in cases of medical negligence as well as the responsibility of medical personnel.
