Kozhikode's Nature Life Hospital fined Rs 4 lakh for the negligence of doctors resulting in patient's death

The Khozikode’s Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum slapped a fine of Rs 4 lakh on Dr. Jacob Vadakkanchery and Joshi Varghese, of the Nature Life Hospital. The doctors were fined on the ground of negligence in the treatment of a patient resulting in his death 12 years ago. The fine was slapped based on a petition that was filed by Vinayanandan’s family on March 7, 2007

In 2005, Vinaynandan, a lawyer based in Kozhikode died while being treated at Nature Life Hospital at Ernakulam. The deceased was suffering from diabetics and peptic ulcers from few years and recently he was affected by the kidney stone. Mr. Thilakanandan, the petitioner, with whom the deceased used to live, told the court that in 2005, he had taken Vinayanandan to Dr. Jacob for his treatment. However, as Dr, Jacob was not present in the hospital that day, Dr. Joshi Varghese carried out his treatment. The reports of the ECG test of the deceased was not shown to anyone in the hospital.

The petitioner further contended that the doctor had sent him back stating that the deceased is under complete supervision of the hospital and he is not required anymore. And within five days of receiving treatment, the deceased started suffering fatigue, breathlessness and subsequently died. 

The Respondents had, on the other hand, claimed that the deceased had neither disclosed his heart ailment in the admission form nor shared his ECG. The Forum, however, noted that the two owners of the hospital admitted to not understanding ECG.

The forum stated that though the main reason of the death was not because of the treatment of the doctors, it can be seen that there was a gross negligence on their part in giving care and attention to the patient. The forum also added that every doctor must know the fundamentals of the medical science. 

The Respondents were, therefore, directed to pay Rs. 4 lakhs, jointly and severely, to the dependents of the deceased. Out of the proceeds, Rs. 2 lakhs was directed to be paid to the daughter of the deceased and Rs. 1 lakh each to his mother and wife.