Commission Cites Medical Negligence and Ethical Violations
Malappuram: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has imposed a ₹5 lakh fine on a doctor and a private hospital in Kochi for administering unwarranted COVID-19 treatment to a patient who tested negative for the virus. The case was filed by Soji Reni of Kakkadampoyil, Urangattiri, over alleged negligence and misdiagnosis in May 2021.
Patient Subjected to Intensive Care Despite Negative Test
The patient, Soji Reni, visited the hospital on May 26, 2021, with health complaints. While her antigen test was inconclusive, the subsequent RT-PCR test returned negative for COVID-19. However, the result was not disclosed to her. Instead, she was admitted to the ICU, isolated from her family, and treated for COVID-19. Requests for a single room were also denied. She discovered her negative status only three days later.
Dissatisfied with the treatment, Reni discharged herself against medical advice and sought care elsewhere, where she was diagnosed with a kidney ailment.
Commission Finds Doctor and Hospital at Fault
The commission ruled that the doctor’s decision to administer high-dose COVID-19 medicines without evidence of infection was unethical and violated COVID-19 protocols approved by the Indian Medical Council. It further condemned the failure to inform the patient about her test results as a breach of her basic rights.
“The actions of the doctor and hospital were against medical ethics and denied the patient her right to know about her illness and treatment,” stated the commission led by president K. Mohandas and members Preeti Sivaraman and C.V. Mohammed Ismail.
Defendants’ Claims Rejected
The hospital and doctor defended their actions, citing COVID-19 symptoms and adherence to protocols. They also claimed that the prescribed medicines were globally recognized. However, the commission dismissed these arguments, emphasizing that the treatment lacked justification.
Penalty Imposed
The doctor and hospital were ordered to pay ₹5 lakh in compensation to the patient along with ₹25,000 in court costs. This judgment serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency, ethical practices, and adherence to medical protocols in patient care.
