Fortis Hospital Mohali, Gastroenterologist held liable after Patient's dying declaration: Rs 50 lakh compensation slapped

"In view of the above discussion, the present consumer complaint succeeds, the same is accordingly partly allowed and the OPs are directed as under:- i) to pay lump sum compensation of Rs.50 lacs alongwith interest @ 9% per annum from the date of death i.e. 02.08.2021 till its realization to the complainants within 45 days of receipt of certified copy of this order. ii) OPs are jointly and severally held liable to pay above mentioned amount to the complainants," ordered the consumer court.

The history of the case goes back to 2021, when the complainant's husband, an advocate by profession, was admitted to Fortis Hospital, Mohali, with complaints of an acute gastric problem.

Before admitting the patient, the hospital conducted the COVID-19 test, which was found negative. It was further submitted that since there were restricting visiting hours in the Fortis Hospital and only one visitor was allowed to visit the patient during the enture identified visiting hours, only the patient's wife, the complainant, went to see her husband between 12.30 PM to 1.00 PM on 29.07.2021. She was told that her husband had recovered from the gastric problem and, due to improvement, the patient desired to shift to a private ward from the ICU.