Ranga Reddy Consumer Commission Holds Private Hospital Liable
Hyderabad:
The Rangareddy District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed a private hospital in Hyderabad to pay ₹15 lakh as compensation to the family of a deceased patient, holding it guilty of medical negligence.
Refund and Litigation Costs Ordered
Apart from compensation, the Commission also ordered the hospital to refund ₹2.28 lakh collected towards treatment expenses, along with nine per cent annual interest. Additionally, ₹30,000 has been awarded to the complainants towards litigation costs.
Case Originated in 2024
The case dates back to 2024, when the patient was admitted to a private hospital in Banjara Hills after complaining of general weakness. Initial medical evaluation revealed low haemoglobin levels, and the treating doctors advised blood transfusion as part of the treatment.
Discrepancies in Medical Records Alleged
According to a report by The Siasat Daily, the patient’s family later raised concerns over inconsistencies in medical documentation. They alleged that although two units of blood were reportedly transfused, the discharge summary mentioned only one unit. The family also accused the hospital of failing to control the patient’s diarrhoea during hospitalisation.
Condition Worsened After Four Days
Four days into admission, the patient reportedly suffered a heart attack. The family claimed there was a delay in initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and alleged that the patient was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) only after his condition deteriorated significantly.
Allegations of Misdiagnosis and Extra Charges
The complainants further alleged that the hospital falsely diagnosed the patient with a liver infection and demanded an additional ₹1.5 lakh for further treatment. As his condition worsened, the patient was shifted to another hospital and later to a different private healthcare facility.
Patient Succumbed on August 16, 2024
Despite multiple interventions and hospital transfers, the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate, and he ultimately died on August 16, 2024.
Hospital’s Defence Rejected
The hospital denied all allegations, stating that the patient had a history of alcoholism and underlying liver disease, and claimed that CPR and necessary treatment were administered appropriately. However, after examining medical records and hearing both sides, the Consumer Commission held the hospital negligent and directed it to compensate the deceased patient’s family.
