Star Hospitals Fined Rs 15 L For Neglect, Patient's Death
Manikumar had approached the hospital on August 5, 2024, complaining of weakness and dizziness. After medical examination and blood tests, doctors found that his haemoglobin levels were very low and admitted him, advising blood transfusion.
HYDERABAD: The Rangareddy District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered Star Hospitals in Nanakramguda to pay a compensation of ₹15 lakh to the family of D. Manikumar, a resident of Chandanagar, following a complaint of death due to alleged medical negligence.
In its order, the Commission also directed the hospital to refund ₹2.28 lakh collected from the family, along with 9 per cent interest, and to pay ₹30,000 towards litigation expenses.
Manikumar had approached the hospital on August 5, 2024, complaining of weakness and dizziness. After medical examination and blood tests, doctors found that his haemoglobin levels were very low and admitted him, advising blood transfusion.
He was reportedly administered two units of blood over two days. However, the family alleged that the discharge summary mentioned only one unit of blood transfusion. They further claimed that doctors failed to properly address his continuous diarrhoea during the course of treatment.
Four days later, Manikumar reportedly suffered a heart attack. The family alleged that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was delayed and that he was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) only after his condition worsened. They also alleged that he was wrongly diagnosed with liver disease and that the hospital demanded an additional cost of ₹1.5 lakh for its treatment.
Subsequently, Manikumar was shifted to Gandhi Hospital and later to another private hospital. Despite treatment, his condition deteriorated and he died on August 16, 2024. In their complaint, the family said that timely and appropriate treatment at the initial stage could have prevented his death.
Star Hospitals denied the allegations, stating that the patient was a chronic alcoholic with underlying liver disease. The hospital claimed that CPR was administered immediately and that ICU and ventilator facilities were ready, but the patient was shifted at the family’s request.
After examining medical records and circumstances, the Commission concluded that there was negligence on the part of the hospital in monitoring and managing the patient, and passed the order.