Medical Negligence: Does Free Treatment Exempt Hospitals from Legal Liability?
Written By : Anshika Mishra
Published On 2025-10-06 12:45 GMT | Update On 2025-10-06 12:45 GMT
Advertisement
The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC), Gujarat, recently held that even when the treating hospital has not charged any fees from the patient, the service provided by the hospital would fall within the definition of service and the patient would be considered as a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Such an observation was made by the Gujarat State Consumer Court while considering the appeal filed by the family of a patient, who died while receiving post-operative treatment at a hospital after undergoing kidney-stone surgery.
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.