Telangana Hospital Ordered to Pay Rs 5.66 Lakh for Life-Threatening Medical Negligence

In a landmark ruling, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission–I, Hyderabad, has found a private hospital, its founder-chairman, and a consultant doctor guilty of medical negligence following a 2022 surgical procedure that left a patient with life-threatening complications. The commission ordered the hospital to pay G Shiva Rama Krishna, a 49-year-old businessman from Alwal, Rs 5.66 lakh for medical expenses, Rs 1 lakh for mental agony, and Rs 50,000 for legal costs, with a 45-day deadline, failing which the amount will accrue 9% annual interest.

Krishna sought treatment at the hospital in April 2022 for gastric issues and was diagnosed with a colonic polyp. On May 19, 2022, a colonoscopy and polypectomy were performed under general anaesthesia by a surgeon without Krishna’s consent. Discharged just three hours later, he soon developed severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. Subsequent diagnosis at another hospital revealed a caecal perforation and peritonitis, necessitating emergency surgery and a second corrective procedure in August 2022.

The complainant alleged that the hospital’s negligence caused immense physical pain, financial loss, and disruption to his family life. The hospital countered that colon perforation is a known risk of polypectomy and claimed informed consent was obtained. However, the commission’s investigation uncovered critical lapses, including missing operative notes and a lack of evidence for standard precautions or adequate post-operative monitoring, holding the hospital accountable for its failure to ensure patient safety.

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This ruling underscores the importance of rigorous medical protocols and accountability in healthcare. The commission’s decision to impose significant penalties reflects the severity of the hospital’s shortcomings, which led to Krishna’s prolonged suffering. As the case highlights ongoing concerns about medical negligence in private hospitals, it serves as a stark reminder for institutions to prioritize patient care and transparency to prevent such harrowing outcomes.

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