Consumer Commission Finds Deficiency in Medical Care
Coimbatore: A private hospital in Coimbatore has been directed by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission to pay ₹20 lakh in compensation to the parents of a pregnant woman who died due to alleged medical negligence. Additionally, the hospital must cover ₹5,000 in legal expenses.
Patient’s Health Deteriorated Despite Multiple Hospital Visits
According to a Times of India report, the woman first visited the hospital on January 26, 2023, upon learning of her pregnancy. She was advised to return for a fetal growth scan on February 17.
On February 20, she returned with a fever and was prescribed medication, with a follow-up scheduled for February 22. When she visited again, she received the same medication. However, her condition worsened, leading to her admission on February 23, when a dengue test was conducted. Since the test was negative, she was discharged the same day.
Despite this, her health continued to deteriorate. Concerned, her parents took her back to the hospital on February 24. Unable to manage her critical condition, the hospital referred her to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), where she succumbed to respiratory failure on February 25.
Inquiry Confirms Deficiency in Service
Following her death, the parents filed a petition on April 12, 2023, with the Deputy Director of Medical Services, seeking an investigation into the case. After reviewing medical records, the Deputy Director confirmed in a letter dated May 24, 2023, that the hospital had provided deficient medical care.
Based on these findings, the parents approached the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for justice.
Consumer Commission Holds Hospital Accountable
After reviewing the case, Commission President R. Thangavel and members P. Marimuthu and G. Suguna ruled that the hospital had failed to provide adequate care, leading to the patient’s death. The commission ordered the hospital to compensate the grieving parents with ₹20 lakh and pay an additional ₹5,000 in legal costs.
