Kolkata, January 3: The West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission (WBCERC) has directed Megacity Nursing Home in Barasat, North 24 Parganas, to pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation after a patient died due to alleged medical negligence.
Incident Dates Back Six Years
The case relates to a 25-year-old woman who passed away after childbirth in October 2019. The patient, under the doctor’s care from the start of her pregnancy, delivered her baby in the morning and soon developed serious complications. She reportedly was not examined by any doctor and died around 5.30 pm the same day.
Interim Relief Granted Earlier
In 2021, during a hearing, the nursing home claimed that the attending doctor had been informed but did not arrive. The Commission granted interim relief of Rs 2 lakh and advised the family to approach the West Bengal Medical Council for grievances against the doctor. However, the nursing home did not release the interim amount.
Appeal to High Court Rejected
Instead of paying the Rs 2 lakh, the nursing home filed an appeal with the High Court, which refused to stay the Commission’s order. Meanwhile, the medical council found the doctor guilty of medical negligence and imposed penalties.
Doctor’s Appeals Pending
The accused doctor also approached the High Court seeking a stay, which was rejected. He filed an appeal against the medical council’s decision, which is still pending.
Final Compensation Ordered
Justice Ashim Kumar Banerjee (Retired), Chairman of WBCERC, during a recent rehearing, stated that provisions allow for Rs 10 lakh compensation if medical negligence leads to death. Since Rs 2 lakh was already directed earlier, the remaining Rs 8 lakh is now to be paid in 10 instalments.
Petitioner’s Appeal Considered
The petitioner had approached the commission for final compensation following the medical council’s decision, which led to the present order. The commission emphasized the responsibility of healthcare facilities in ensuring timely and adequate care.
Regulatory Oversight Reinforced
The case highlights the role of WBCERC in monitoring clinical establishments, enforcing accountability, and ensuring that victims of medical negligence receive due compensation in a timely and structured manner.
