4 days ago
Pvt hospitals told to pay Rs35L relief in 2 med negligence cases
Trichy: The district consumer forum has ordered compensation in two cases of medical negligence during caesarean section procedures conducted at private healthcare facilities in Trichy.
In one case, a Trichy resident experienced persistent abdominal pain after undergoing caesarean section at a local clinic in Feb 2018. Nearly a year later, a scan revealed a 26x6 mm hypoechoic tract in the subcutaneous layer, caused by the retention of a non-absorbable Prolene suture. In April 2019, she underwent surgery which included scar excision and sinus tract exploration to remove the embedded suture material.
In its order dated May 23, the commission held that the doctors had failed in their duty to ensure proper surgical closure and adequate post-operative monitoring. The constituted medical negligence and deficiency in service under Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Hence, the commission ordered the clinic to pay ₹5 lakh as compensation to the complainant for negligence, ₹52,000 as reimbursement for medical and surgical expenses, and ₹10,000 as litigation costs.
In a separate order dated May 22, the commission awarded compensation in a similar case involving a 26-year-old woman. It was alleged that spinal anaesthesia was administered incorrectly, on the wrong nerve, during her caesarean section in Sept 2022. Subsequent scans revealed disc bulges, which have resulted in ongoing difficulties with walking, sitting, and difficulty in doing other basic activities.
The commission found the healthcare providers guilty of deficiency in service due to negligent administration of spinal anaesthesia. Consequently, it directed the parties involved to pay the victim ₹30 lakh as compensation, along with ₹15,000 towards legal expenses.
