High cost of medical negligence

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), New Delhi, has directed the Guwahati Neurological Research Centre (GNRC) Hospital to pay Rs 20,00,000 as compensation to a patient from Arunachal Pradesh for medical negligence that occurred more than a decade ago.

In their judgement, the presiding member, Subhash Chandra, and member J Rajendra directed the GNRC to pay the compensation within one month, stating that the hospital will be liable to pay simple interest at 12% per annum if the amount is not paid on time.

Takam James had filed a case against GNRC Hospital in the national consumer court, alleging negligence during his medical treatment that began on 8 July, 2013.

The court noted that no proper medical protocol was followed during the patient’s treatment.

Most patients do not dare or bother to file complaints, but this brave Arunachali took the matter to the national consumer court.

The latest verdict from the consumer court should serve as a warning to private hospitals in Assam, which are known for charging hefty fees as the state has emerged as a regional healthcare hub. Due to inadequate medical facilities across the Northeast, many patients flock to private hospitals in Assam – hospitals that often take advantage of the situation. While they do share the government’s healthcare burden, they do so at a very high cost.

Today, many of these hospitals are seen as being more focused on extracting money from patients than on providing quality treatment – forcing many to seek care outside the region. While it is true that running a hospital with up-to-date facilities is expensive, such institutions must still deliver the level of care that patients rightfully deserve.