The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) said the inability of Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital to explain what caused the patient's death leaves many questions unanswered.
"The hospital has not been able to satisfactorily explain as to what caused the death of the patient, which leaves many unanswered questions, including whether he was given prompt and adequate treatment by the appellant-hospital.
"In view of these facts, we see no reason to interfere with the order of the state commission and uphold the same. This first appeal stands dismissed. The hospital is directed to pay respondent 1 (widow) a sum of Rs 2,00,000 along with litigation cost of Rs 5,000," the bench presided by Justice Ashok Bhan said.
The NCDRC passed the judgement while dismissing the plea of the hospital which had challenged the Andhra Pradesh State Consumer Commission's order which had held the hospital guilty of medical negligence.
The state commission had found the hospital guilty of not taking due care and giving prompt treatment to the patient, G Ramakistaiah, a senior accountant in the Accountant General's office in Hyderabad.
The state commission's order had come on the plea of late Ramakistaiah's widow, A Subbalakshmi who had alleged that had her husband been given proper and prompt medical treatment and necessary precautionary measures taken, including immediate treatment for jaundice, during his stay in the hospital his premature death could have been avoided. (MORE)