The Gujarat State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission has directed a pediatrician from Junagadh to pay Rs 5 lakh in compensation to the parents of a nine-month-old child who tragically passed away due to negligence at his hospital.
The incident dates back to October 14, 2013, when Bhavesh and Jigna Adhera took their son, Vanraj, to Dr. Vijay Bhalodia's hospital in Junagadh city. Despite the doctor's recommendation for hospitalization upon observing the critical condition of the child, the couple initially hesitated. However, the next evening, they came back to be admitted, following the doctor's advice.
Upon admission, Dr. Bhalodia administered saline to the child and left the hospital premises, instructing the parents on how to remove the saline bottle. Shockingly, there was no staff present in the hospital at that time.
Tragically, soon after the doctor's leaving, Vanraj's condition began to deteriorate rapidly. The parents asked for help from a nearby nurse, who then attempted to contact Dr. Bhalodia, only to discover that he had left for a social function in Dhundhsar village, Bhavnagar district. Despite the nurse's efforts, another pediatrician arrived too late, and Vanraj passed away from his illness.
Following the child's untimely demise, the parents sought justice using legal methods. Initially approaching the district consumer forum but failing to get help, they eventually appealed to the state consumer commission. Their complaint highlighted the doctor's negligence in leaving the hospital unattended while being aware of the critical condition of the child and the lack of support staff.
In response, Dr. Bhalodia defended himself, citing the delay in hospitalization by the child's parents and his arrangements for another doctor's assistance. However, the consumer commission ruled that his escape for a social function without ensuring adequate medical care for the infant resulted in gross negligence.
The commission emphasized the doctor's responsibility to make alternative arrangements for his patient's care, especially when aware of his approaching absence. It evaluated Dr. Bhalodia's actions as unacceptable, observing that he could not avoid accountability by citing the patient's medical history post-admission.
In addition to ordering Rs 5 lakh in compensation with 7% interest from 2014, the commission imposed a further penalty of Rs 10,000 towards litigation costs on Dr. Bhalodia.
The value of responsibility and accuracy in the medical field is very important, especially when treating patients who are susceptible. It emphasizes how important it is for medical personnel to put patients' needs ahead of their own obligations and make sure that there is always enough support available.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)