In Coimbatore, a husband was awarded Rs 20 lakh compensation after his wife died due to medical negligence in 2018. The case highlights the importance of proper medical care and accountability.
Coimbatore: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered four doctors to pay Rs 20 lakh as compensation to Sai Preman, whose wife Rajalakshmi died due to alleged medical negligence in 2018.
Sai Preman, 45, an Assistant Engineer with the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and a resident of Madampatti in Coimbatore, filed a case against a private hospital and its doctors following the death of his 43-year-old wife, Rajalakshmi.
The incident began on January 8, 2018, when Rajalakshmi fell from her two-wheeler near Peelamedu after a dog crossed her path. She suffered a minor fracture in her jaw and sought treatment from Dr. Arunkumar, a dentist in Sai Baba Colony, Coimbatore.
Rajalakshmi was then admitted to a private hospital on Mettupalayam Road for surgery. The night before the procedure, she was given a blood transfusion, after which she experienced stomach pain and vomiting. Dr. Tamil Selvan, who was on duty, prescribed medication. When Rajalakshmi developed a fever, Dr. Anthony, the medical officer, recommended fever medication.
Despite the treatment, Rajalakshmi's condition worsened, and she was moved to the emergency ward where she passed away shortly after. Dr. Tamil Selvan's medical report stated that the cause of death was cardiac arrest.
Following a complaint by Rajalakshmi's relatives, a case was registered at the Peelamedu Police Station. A post-mortem was conducted at Coimbatore Government Medical College Hospital, where Dr. Jaisingh, Head of the Forensic Department, reviewed the patient's treatment, medical notes, and autopsy report. The examination revealed that the blood transfused was incompatible with Rajalakshmi's body, and she had died due to lung injury.
Sai Preman then filed a case with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, seeking compensation for medical negligence. After hearing the case, the Commission, headed by Chairman Thangavel and members Marimuththu and Suguna, concluded that the hospital administration and doctors had failed to perform their minimum required duties.
On July 5, the Commission ordered doctors Arunkumar, Tamil Selvan, Anthony, and Balachandar to jointly pay Rs 20 lakh as compensation to Sai Preman. This verdict underscores the importance of medical diligence and accountability in healthcare services.
Sai Preman, 45, an Assistant Engineer with the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and a resident of Madampatti in Coimbatore, filed a case against a private hospital and its doctors following the death of his 43-year-old wife, Rajalakshmi.
The incident began on January 8, 2018, when Rajalakshmi fell from her two-wheeler near Peelamedu after a dog crossed her path. She suffered a minor fracture in her jaw and sought treatment from Dr. Arunkumar, a dentist in Sai Baba Colony, Coimbatore.
Rajalakshmi was then admitted to a private hospital on Mettupalayam Road for surgery. The night before the procedure, she was given a blood transfusion, after which she experienced stomach pain and vomiting. Dr. Tamil Selvan, who was on duty, prescribed medication. When Rajalakshmi developed a fever, Dr. Anthony, the medical officer, recommended fever medication.
Despite the treatment, Rajalakshmi's condition worsened, and she was moved to the emergency ward where she passed away shortly after. Dr. Tamil Selvan's medical report stated that the cause of death was cardiac arrest.
Following a complaint by Rajalakshmi's relatives, a case was registered at the Peelamedu Police Station. A post-mortem was conducted at Coimbatore Government Medical College Hospital, where Dr. Jaisingh, Head of the Forensic Department, reviewed the patient's treatment, medical notes, and autopsy report. The examination revealed that the blood transfused was incompatible with Rajalakshmi's body, and she had died due to lung injury.
Sai Preman then filed a case with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, seeking compensation for medical negligence. After hearing the case, the Commission, headed by Chairman Thangavel and members Marimuththu and Suguna, concluded that the hospital administration and doctors had failed to perform their minimum required duties.
On July 5, the Commission ordered doctors Arunkumar, Tamil Selvan, Anthony, and Balachandar to jointly pay Rs 20 lakh as compensation to Sai Preman. This verdict underscores the importance of medical diligence and accountability in healthcare services.