New Delhi: The Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has dismissed a consumer complaint filed against a private hospital, citing vague and unsupported allegations of medical negligence.
The complainant had accused the hospital of administering high-potency medicines daily, allegedly causing his health to deteriorate. However, the Commission observed that the patient failed to provide any details about the medicines administered or explain how the treatment qualified as negligent.
The case dates back to 2017, when the patient was admitted to the hospital after experiencing pain in his right arm and the right side of his neck. He later claimed that the hospital’s medical superintendent and his doctor son gave him strong medications, rendering him too weak to eat. Despite spending over ₹1.17 lakh on treatment, the complainant alleged that his health worsened due to defects in multiple organs.
He also claimed that the hospital discharged him and referred him to Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, fearing he was near death. When that hospital allegedly refused admission, he was taken to GTB Hospital and remained under care there from February 16 to 22, 2017.
In his complaint before the District Consumer Forum, the patient accused the hospital of deliberately exploiting his condition for financial gain. In response, the hospital stated that the patient was diagnosed with Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (PUO) and was put on empirical antibiotic therapy, supported by necessary tests and imaging. Reports indicated liver problems, chest infection, and possible pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient himself requested a transfer on February 16.
The District Consumer Forum dismissed the complaint due to lack of evidence, and this decision was later challenged before the Delhi State Commission.
Upon review, the State Commission upheld the lower court’s decision, stating that the complainant failed to specify which medicines were given or present any expert evidence supporting claims of negligence.
The order read:
“The Appellant has merely made vague allegations without disclosing any detail as to the treatment. There is not even a slightest whisper as to which medicines were administered or what part of the treatment amounted to negligence. No cogent material or expert opinion has been placed on record.”
The appeal was thus dismissed, with the Commission making no order as to costs.
