Blaming doctors and hospitals, and suing them is turning out to be an epidemic of sorts. It is one thing to make accusations on perceived negligence, but quite another to drag them for the most frivolous of reasons. This case is about family of a patient who dragged the hospital for being unhappy over the cost of treatment!
Gowriamma, an old lady, had sustained multiple fracture on her right hip and was taken to the hospital where an immediate surgery was performed.
Even though patient’s attendants were informed about the estimate of surgery and post-surgery care, the hospital was dragged to Kerala State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on the grounds of ‘exorbitant’ charges levied compared to other hospitals.
The hospital in defense stated that the patient, an elderly lady, had neurological problems and was a known cardiac patient. Given such history, it was a risky procedure. Moreover, the patient’s family was given a rough estimate of the treatment cost, concluded the hospital.
The Commission observed that it was simply improper to compare treatment charges of patients belonging to different ages with different ailments. It was further observed that a lot depends on various factors such as patient’s age, nature of ailment / treatment and the facilities availed.
Obviously, the allegation of ‘exorbitant’ charges was quashed and the hospital was declared not guilty.
Source: Order pronounced by Kerala State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on 30th May, 2019