Guwahati: The Assam State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered Dispur Polyclinic & Hospital to pay Rs 5,65,713 as compensation in a medical negligence case involving a woman who suffered serious burn injuries while recovering after childbirth.
The case relates to an incident in August 2018, when the woman underwent a caesarean section at the Guwahati-based hospital. After the procedure, she was moved to a recovery room, where she was reportedly in a semi-conscious condition.
According to the Commission’s judgment, an electric heater placed near the woman caused a severe burn injury to her right leg. The injury occurred while she was still under the hospital’s care.
After examining the case, the Commission held the hospital responsible for the incident. It observed that the burn injury had occurred within the hospital premises and said the hospital failed to substantiate its defence with adequate supporting evidence.
The Commission consequently held that the complainants were entitled to compensation for the physical and mental hardship caused by the incident.
The total compensation of Rs 5,65,713 includes Rs 40,713 towards medical expenses. The woman was also awarded Rs 1 lakh for pain and suffering, Rs 2 lakh for mental and physical suffering and another Rs 1 lakh for loss of amenities of life.
A further Rs 1 lakh was awarded for the inconvenience caused to the child because the mother was unable to breastfeed following the injury. The Commission also included Rs 25,000 towards litigation expenses.
The hospital has been directed to deposit the entire amount with the Commission’s Registry within six weeks from the date of the judgment.
The Commission further ordered that if the hospital fails to make the payment within the stipulated period, the awarded amount will carry interest at 9% per annum from the date of the judgment until the amount is realised.