Consumer Court Orders Jain Multispeciality Hospital to Refund Rs 35,000 and Pay Rs 50,000 in Compensation
Ludhiana: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC), Ludhiana, has ordered Khanna-based Jain Multispeciality Hospital to pay Rs 85,000 to a 61-year-old patient for inflated medical billing and inadequate treatment.
Case Background
The patient, a resident of Mandi Gobindgarh, was admitted in 2020 for uncontrolled blood sugar, pneumonitis, and sepsis. He was treated at the hospital for 14 days, but his condition worsened, forcing him to transfer to another hospital in Zirakpur, where he received three more days of treatment.
The complaint filed against the hospital alleged:
- The total bill amounted to Rs 3,12,450, including Rs 35,000 in extra charges, which were unjustified.
- The treatment was inadequate, forcing the patient to seek further care elsewhere, leading to additional medical expenses of Rs 1,64,401.
- The hospital’s extra charges lacked transparency, causing financial and mental distress.
Hospital’s Defense & Court’s Ruling
The hospital denied any wrongdoing, claiming:
- The Rs 35,000 was for COVID-19-related safety equipment and additional services during the pandemic.
- The patient received proper care during his stay.
However, the Consumer Court rejected this claim, stating that:
- There was no evidence that the patient required COVID-specific treatment.
- The extra charges were unjustified and lacked transparency, despite high room, medicine, and service fees.
Under Section 35 of the Consumer Protection Act, the court ordered the hospital to:
- Refund Rs 35,000 to the patient with 8% annual interest from the date of payment.
- Pay Rs 50,000 as compensation for the inconvenience caused.
- Comply with the ruling within 30 days.
This case highlights the importance of transparent medical billing and fair treatment practices in private hospitals.
