Hassan consumer court imposes Rs 30 lakh fine on Bengaluru doctor for negligence leading to death

HASSAN: The Hassan District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has imposed a fine of Rs 30 lakh on a doctor and hospital for medical negligence that resulted in the death of a patient.

The case pertains to Gangamma, a resident of Vidyanagar in Hassan, who visited a private hospital in Hassan on January 4, 2023, complaining of stomach pain. The doctor diagnosed gallstones and advised further treatment.

Gangamma was later admitted to BMC&RI Super Specialty Hospital in Bengaluru and then to St John’s Medical College and Hospital, where Dr Sayyed Shafiq performed surgery and inserted a stent on January 6, 2023. However, Gangamma developed an infection and died on January 30, 2023.

Gangamma’s son Nagesh filed a complaint with the Hassan District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, alleging medical negligence and seeking compensation of Rs 50 lakh. The commission, after hearing the case, ruled that the hospital and doctors were liable for the patient’s death due to negligence.

The commission directed the Director of St John’s Medical College and Hospital, Dr Bhuvana Krishna, and Dr Sayyed Shafiq to jointly or severally pay a total compensation of Rs 30 lakh within six weeks from the date of the order. If the payment is not made within the specified time, an interest of 10 per cent per annum will be levied, the order said.