The Telangana State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (on 28th July, 2023) has directed Kamineni Hospitals Hyderabad to pay a sum of Rs 6 lakh for medical negligence and deficiency in service with interest from 2017 to the complainant. Kamineni Hospitals are known for their world-class clinical care which they have been providing for over 30 years in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The complainant, a 15-year-old born with cerebral palsy and hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body), was admitted to the hospital for the removal of an implant in the right leg and surgery on both legs. After the first surgery, the patient was noted to have been crying and yelling.
An X-ray revealed that the bone in the leg was fractured. The orthopedic pediatrician suggested that the fractured bone be fixed with a similar permanent plate. Soon after the second surgery and contrary to his previous statement, the doctor informed that the new implant is to be removed after one year.
The Commission observed that the fracture was a result of medical negligence and the delay in performing the second operation amounts to deficiency in service.
While stating that any medical negligence is bad, we suggest Professional Indemnity insurance for Doctors – specifically designed to cover doctors against the liabilities arising out of medical negligence, errors or omissions made by the doctors in the course of their practice. A Professional Indemnity policy insures the doctor, their qualified assistants, nurses or any technicians employed by the insured against the legal charges that have to be paid by the medical practitioners for the damage caused to a third party while rendering their services.
