Patient dies due to medical negligence, doctor to pay Rs 4.61L

The apex consumer commission has held an Andhra-based doctor guilty of medical negligence in performing a surgery which resulted in the death of a patient and directed him to pay Rs 4.61 lakh to the wife of the deceased.
The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) observed that due to the negligence of Dr R G V Reddy in performing the laparoscopic cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gall bladder), complications arose and ultimately the patient lost his life.
"It is pertinent to note that (condition of) the patient deteriorated after the first surgery performed by opposite party 1 (Dr Reddy). On exploration of abdomen by a team of doctors at opposite party 3 (CMC Vellore), it was found that huge collection of bile in the abdomen, perforation of duodenum...Such consequences are only due to negligence of opposite party 1 in performing the laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

"Therefore, to conclude, we uphold the order of State Commission that the petitioner/opposite party 1 is guilty of medical negligence and ultimately the patient lost his life," the bench presided by Justice J M Malik said and dismissed the petition of the doctor challenging the decision of the Andhra Pradesh State Consumer Commission.
The bench also directed Reddy to pay the patient's widow, Shaik Anjaman, Rs 56,000 towards cost of the operation and other expenses, Rs four lakh as compensation and Rs 5,000 as cost of litigation.
Reddy had contended that the complications arose as the patient, Shaik Mohammad Rafi, was a diabetic and also suffered from high blood pressure.

The NCDRC, however, rejected the contention saying Reddy being aware of the medical history of the patient, ought to have anticipated the complications and should have carefully performed the surgery.