Consumer Commission Holds Medical Team Liable After Infant Dies Following Birth Complications
Chennai: In a major ruling, the North Chennai District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has held a city-based hospital and its doctor guilty of medical negligence, directing them to pay ₹10 lakh compensation to a grieving mother whose newborn died due to complications during delivery.
The complaint was filed by a couple from Kodungaiyur, who had consulted the doctor and hospital for prenatal care throughout the pregnancy. The woman, in her final trimester, was declared medically stable. However, when labour pains began, she was admitted to the hospital for delivery.
Allegations of Staff Shortage and Delay in Medical Response
According to a report by DT Next, the couple alleged that the hospital was critically understaffed at the time of delivery, with no duty doctors available. They further claimed that the treating doctor arrived late, and there were significant delays in arranging an oxygen cylinder. Eventually, two male doctors arrived and informed the couple that a baby girl had been delivered but was found unconscious.
Umbilical Cord Complication and Critical Condition of Infant
The hospital staff reportedly told the family that the baby had suffered from umbilical cord entanglement around the neck, which led to her head getting stuck and caused severe complications. The newborn was found to be in critical condition, suffering seizures and brain haemorrhage, and was referred to a private hospital in Chetpet for specialized treatment, including hypothermia therapy.
The baby was treated in the NICU for 15 days, during which doctors indicated that the condition was likely a result of negligence during delivery. Despite the couple spending ₹2.87 lakh on treatment, the child tragically passed away in November 2023.
Commission Awards Compensation for Mental Agony and Loss
Following the child’s death, the couple approached the Consumer Commission. After reviewing the case, the Commission ruled that there was clear deficiency in service by the hospital and the doctor, and held them jointly liable.
The Commission ordered them to pay ₹10 lakh as compensation covering medical expenses, mental trauma, and loss suffered by the couple. Additionally, ₹5,000 was awarded as litigation cost, to be paid within two months from the date of the order.
