District Consumer Court Finds Hospital Guilty of Medical Negligence After Woman Dies Post-Hysterectomy
Hyderabad: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I, Hyderabad, has ordered a Secunderabad-based hospital and three of its doctors to pay ₹10 lakh in compensation to the family of a woman who died following a hysterectomy surgery in August 2021. An additional ₹50,000 was awarded for legal costs.
Lack of Critical Care Facilities Proved Fatal
The court held the hospital and doctors guilty of medical negligence and deficiency in service, primarily because the surgery was performed without basic life-saving equipment such as a ventilator.
The complaint was filed by the deceased’s husband, who stated that his wife stopped breathing and suffered a stroke immediately after surgery. The hospital, which lacked adequate facilities, recommended shifting her to a second hospital using only a manual breathing device.
Patient Died Despite Transfer to Second Hospital
The woman was transferred to a hospital in Ameerpet, even though closer super-speciality hospitals were available. By the time she was put on a ventilator at the second hospital, her condition had deteriorated, and she died the following day due to cardiac arrest.
DMHO and Expert Reports Highlight Systemic Failures
The court relied on reports from the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) and expert opinions from Gandhi Hospital, which pointed out:
- The delayed recovery from anaesthesia likely led to respiratory failure.
- The absence of a mechanical ventilator post-surgery.
- The use of unregistered doctors not listed in the hospital’s official records.
- Lack of basic infrastructure like a fully equipped ambulance, proper stretcher access, or a functioning lift.
The principle of res ipsa loquitor (the thing speaks for itself) was applied, implying the circumstances alone were enough to establish negligence.
Court Issues 45-Day Deadline to Pay Compensation
The Consumer Court ordered the hospital and three doctors to jointly pay ₹10 lakh in compensation and ₹50,000 in legal expenses within 45 days. Failure to comply would attract 6% annual interest on the amount.
The patient’s family had also approached the police and the Telangana High Court, expressing dissatisfaction with the initial inquiry into the incident.
