SC upholds Rs 4.5 lakh relief in hospital negligence case

SC upholds Rs 4.5 lakh relief in hospital negligence case
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

NEW DELHI, MARCH 1: The Supreme Court has upheld a decision of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (NCDRF) asking a Tamil Nadu hospital to pay Rs 4.5 lakh as compensation to the parents of a 18-month-old child whose left arm had to amputated due to negligence of hospital staff.

A division bench comprising Justices M J Rao and D P Mohapatra dismissed an appeal by Sea Horse hospital at Trichy challenging the NCDRF's interim decision.

Niranjan, an 18-month-old child, was admitted to the hospital for diarrhoea but it was alleged by the parents that the hospital staff blundered in administering intravenous drip by pushing the needle into the artery instead of a vein resulting in blockage of the artery.

It was alleged by the counsel for the aggrieved party that discolouration of the hand and other obvious symptoms of gangrene were ignored and due to the negligence of the staff, Niranjan's left hand had to be amputated.

The parents contended before the forum that the hospital should be directed to meet the cost of fixing a myo-electric limb manufactured by a foreign firm Otto Back Co and for other damages. The hospital had contended that it should not be solely made responsible for the lapse and the doctor concerned should also be blamed.

The Commission after examining the hospital records and hearing arguments from both sides ordered the hospital, as an interim measure, a payment of Rs 4.5 lakh to the child.