In a recent decision, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) addressed a medical malpractice issue that involved Mahatma Gandhi Mission Hospital in Maharashtra. The case, which dates back to 2007, was about a 12-year-old kid who tragically died after being bitten by a snake. The patient died as a result of the hospital’s and Dr. Gupta’s on-call pediatrician’s negligence, which was determined to be at fault.
The patient was taken to Mahatma Gandhi Mission Hospital after being bitten by a snake, which is how the episode started. The patient’s father, the plaintiff, asked Dr. Gupta to treat him right away. But because of budgetary limitations, the physician allegedly suggested sending the patient to a government hospital. Dr. Gupta prescribed an injection for Rs. 500 after being asked repeatedly, but he postponed treatment until the plaintiff had the necessary funds.
Dr. Gupta allegedly withheld care from the patient despite their desperate cries and declining health until further payments were received. The complaint claimed that the patient died as a result of this delay. The complainant then claimed medical malpractice in a consumer complaint.
An appeal to the State Commission was initiated after the District Commission had dismissed the case. The hospital and Dr. Gupta were ordered to jointly pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation, with the hospital bearing the majority of the money, after the State Commission overruled the District Commission’s judgment. A further award of Rs 2 lakh was given for harassment and mental suffering.
Dr. Gupta and the hospital challenged the State Commission’s ruling, claiming that they gave the required care without being careless. They asserted that the unfavorable result was caused in part by the patient’s tardy arrival and the lack of ventilator facilities. The hospital’s non-profit status was also mentioned as a way to refute allegations of medical malpractice.
Nevertheless, pointing out inconsistencies in the hospital’s internal reports and the absence of a post-mortem examination, the NCDRC maintained the State Commission’s decision. The hospital’s handling of the issue, including the purported document forgery and the delayed notification of authorities, was chastised by the Commission.
The NCDRC underlined the need of openness, appropriate documentation, and adherence to medical norms while emphasizing the difficulties the hospital faces in addressing emergency cases like snakebite patients. The patient’s death from medical errors and neglect was attributed by the Commission to the hospital and Dr. Gupta.
Ultimately, the NCDRC upheld the State Commission’s ruling, stressing the significance of responsibility and respect to medical guidelines in averting catastrophes of this nature. The decision serves as a reminder of how important it is for hospitals and medical staff to provide prompt, efficient care, particularly in emergency scenarios.
SOURCE:
MEDICAL DIALOGUES
