The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) concluded that a private hospital in Palakkad and a doctor were both guilty of medical negligence that resulted in a patient's death. The commission ordered them to make a compensation payment of Rs 17 lakh. The case involves the illegal dosage of methotrexate (MTX) that was administered, leading to serious outcomes.

The incident started in 2021 when the patient went to the hospital under the supervision of the doctor who was treating him to receive treatment for back pain. There have been claims that the patient's condition declined as a result of the doctor giving MTX at a dosage that was higher than advised. The patient was then moved to a different hospital in Ernakulam, where she eventually passed away.

The family of the victim filed a consumer complaint, alleging that the overdose of MTX was the reason behind her demise. They claimed that the doctor and the hospital had engaged in medical negligence and requested compensation as well as additional assistance.

The consumer court discovered discrepancies in the medical records despite the doctor's denial and claim that the drug was prescribed in accordance with recognized pharmacological standards. It was discovered that the physician had supposedly manipulated documentation to hide carelessness. The court specifically pointed out discrepancies in the way MTX was prescribed and administered, as well as in how the patient's treatment was documented.

The commission reviewed a number of documents, including nurses' notes, referral letters, and medical certifications, and found discrepancies that indicated manipulation. Additionally, entries about starting MTX and stopping other drugs did not match the doctor's statements or recommended course of treatment.

The consumer court found after carefully reviewing the medical documents that they had been fabricated in order to hide important facts and mislead the legal process. As a result, it was decided that the hospital and the doctor had both engaged in intentional misconduct and had neglected their duties.

Therefore, the doctor, the hospital, and its managing director were ordered by the court to compensate the complainants with Rs 17 lakh. The sum included legal costs as well as penalties for carelessness and document forgery. The accused will face further penalties if they did not follow the orders within 45 days.

The decision illustrates the costs related to medical mistakes as well as the significance of maintaining ethical standards in the medical community. It draws attention to the value of transparency and accountability in ensuring patient safety and wellbeing.

Finally, the case highlights the importance of conducting a comprehensive examination and inspection of medical malpractice claims. It sets an example for making medical professionals accountable for their actions while providing justice to the victim.

(Input from various media sources)

(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)