Thiruvananthapuram: The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has directed officials of a Changanacherry-based hospital to pay Rs 12.5 lakh as compensation for failing to diagnose and treat an infection that a patient suffered after undergoing a caesarean at the hospital. As per the complaint filed by Cuckey Jones Punnose against St Thomas Hospital, Chethipuzha, she got a fever after undergoing a caesarean here. Her doctor Molly John referred her to a physician. The patient noticed a yellow discharge oozing out of the surgical wound, but the doctor assured her that it would heal in 3-4 months.
However, during one of her visits she was informed that her treatment would be free of charges. Growing suspicious she went to Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore where she was found to be suffering from an infection caused by the micro bacterium Fortutium. She underwent surgery twice within five months due to abdominal wall sinus and inflammation.
During the ordeal, she could not breastfeed and care for her son. Her job as a receptionist also suffered. It was found that instead of reopening the wound site and treating the patient, the doctor gave her light medicine and creams like Betadine. Cuckey moved the Kerala State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission demanding Rs 19.75 lakh as compensation.
