Guwahati Hospital Fined Over Patient Burn Injury

Guwahati: The Assam State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered Dispur Polyclinic & Hospital to pay Rs 5,65,713 for medical negligence. The case stems from a 2018 incident involving a woman who suffered severe burns while recovering from a caesarean section. The patient underwent the surgery on August 14, 2018. She was semi-conscious in the recovery room when staff placed an electric heater too close to her right leg.

The commission held the facility liable for the injury. It noted the hospital failed to provide evidence to support its defense. The ruling highlights that the injury happened under the hospital's direct care. Officials stated, "The commission observed that the burn injury occurred inside the hospital and held the hospital responsible for the negligent act."

The payout covers specific categories of harm. This includes Rs 40,713 for medical bills and Rs 25,000 for litigation fees. The court also awarded Rs 1 lakh for pain and suffering, Rs 2 lakh for mental and physical suffering, and Rs 1 lakh for lost amenities of life. An additional Rs 1 lakh addresses the hardship faced by the child, who could not be breastfed due to the mother's condition.

The hospital must deposit the money with the Registry within six weeks. Failure to meet this deadline triggers a 9% annual interest rate on the total until paid in full.