Doctor liable for shortfall in standard of duty

The National Commission noted the evidence revealed a breach of the required standard of duty and care, as also established in the hospital's internal inquiry report

Jatinder Kumar, a 40-year-old school teacher, was diagnosed to be suffering from end-stage Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). He was admitted to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, from May 30 to June 20, 2011. He was told that chemotherapy could cure his ailment.

On July 29, after the third chemotherapy session, an attempt to change the catheter failed. Kumar was told there was a urinary infection, so a catheter would have to be connected to the bladder directly through minor surgery. He was sent to the emergency ward where Dr Anju Bansal, a junior doctor, was on duty. Kumar requested her