NEW DELHI: A consumer court here has indicted a urologist for causing irreparable damage to the kidneys of a woman and directed Handa Nursing Home, where the victim was treated, to pay Rs7 lakh in compensation.
“Considering the life-long suffering of Ramkali, who has now become dialysis-dependent, and her recurring expenditure, we award a compensation of Rs7 lakh,” Delhi Consumer Redressal Forum president JP Sharma said.
Ramkali had sought Rs10 lakh from the west Delhi-based nursing home, alleging wrong treatment resulting in deterioration of her health.
While she accused urologist AK Handa of damaging her kidneys, the nursing home dismissed the charge saying she was being treated as per standard practice.
The forum, on its part, sought expert opinion from AIIMS on the complications developed by Ramkali and the line of treatment adopted by Handa.
“We have no hesitation to hold that Dr Handa resorted to ureteroscopy in haste and did not bother to find out the cause of pain with the patient whose condition went on deteriorating with the line of treatment given to her,” Sharma said.
The forum also observed that instead of finding out the real cause of pain, the surgeon resorted to administering antibiotics and painkillers that are known toxic elements for the functioning of kidneys.
“The evidence as such clearly makes out a case of medical negligence and deficiency in service on the part of Handa Nursing Home,” it said.
The forum also noted that the assessment done by Handa of the IVP (intravenous pyelography) report was not proper as the medical report pointed towards kidney dysfunction but the doctor opined otherwise.
The medical report also showed that there was an underlying infection that was not noticed by Handa, the forum said. Ramkali was operated upon at the nursing home for removing kidney stone on March 14, 2006. But her condition deteriorated and various tests, including IVP, were conducted on her.
The doctor administered her antibiotics and painkillers but with little effect. She was then taken to AIIMS where she remained till May 14, 2006.
b_rakesh@dnaindia.net
