Tamil Nadu: Hospital directed to pay compensation to woman

Chennai: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Chengalpet, directed a medical college hospital to pay compensation of Rs 3.10 lakh to a woman for  negligence in her cancer treatment. Even though surgery was not warranted, the hospital performed the operation which resulted in a bladder injury to her, the forum said.

In the petition, C. Mageswari of Perumbakkam, Kancheepuram district, submitted that she faced severe stomach pain. She went to Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Science & Research Centre, China Kolambakkam, for treatment. After undergoing various tests, doctors found that she was suffering from ovarian cancer. After several days of treatment and surgery, she was discharged, but her health did not improve. Later, she was treated at Meenakshi Medical College and Research Institute, Endathur, Kancheepuram, where she realized that the treatment provided to her in Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre was unnecessary. She developed serious health issues which could not be cured. She sought a direction to the institute to pay compensation of Rs 15 lakh for causing her irreparable damage and mental agony.

In their reply, the manager, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Science & Research Centre, said that she was admitted to the hospital for abdominal pain. The hospital claimed Rs 44,680 towards operation charges and Rs 35,000 was sanctioned under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, hence there was no question of fleecing her. The hospital provided her the best treatment for cancer.

The bench comprising president N.Kaliyamurthi, members K.Prameela and D.Babu Varadarajan said that the doctors had caused a bladder injury through unwarranted surgery. As a result she faced suffering, hence, the hospital was liable to pay a compensation of Rs 3.10 lakh for the sufferings undergone by her.