GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi absolved of medical negligence charges

Grievance of the complainant was that he immediately started spitting blood and continued doing so. His body started trembling and jumping 2-3 feet high. It was revealed that the lung of the complainant had been punctured and he was immediately shifted to the ICU. Complainant submitted that his life could be saved only with the intervention of Dr. S K Sarin and while he was stabilised, both his kidneys failed and he was put on dialysis. The complainant added that he had to be shifted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital where he remained for the next 12 days.

Claiming negligence on the part of doctors of GB Pant Hospital, the complainant demanded a compensation of Rs 18,27,910 inclusive of the cost of medicines and treatment incurred, and loss of earning.

The counsel for the complainant stated:-

Responding to the allegations, Dr Sarin submitted that there was no negligence either on his part or the attending doctors.

Dr Sri Ram submitted that puncture of other viscera(Right lung-lower most edge of right lung which was anatomically situated just beneath, behind and near to the liver of the complainant) was a known complication of liver biopsy.

The matter was referred the matter for expert opinion, which corroborated the defense put forward by the doctors in the case. The doctors also submitted relevant literature in support of their defense.

After going through the submissions, the bench comprising Shri NP Kaushik dismissed the complaint in favour of doctors stating

the puncture of lung is a known complication of liver biopsy. It is not the case that the doctor performing tests lacked in educational qualifications, experience or failed to do the job with a reasonable skill. Clearly, it was not a case of negligence or carelessness on the part of doctor doing the procedure. Complaint, therefore, is dismissed.

Read the full judgement below

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