Scissors left in patient's abdomen by Govt doctors for 12 years, State directed to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation for negligence

Chennai: Holding a Tiruttani-based Government Hospital guilty of medical negligence for leaving a pair of scissors inside the abdomen of a patient, the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission has now directed the State to pay the family of the woman Rs 10 lakh as compensation.

According to a recent report by TOI, slamming the doctors for violating the code of medical ethics, the Commission observed, "Government is spending huge money for the promotion of health. However, as far as the case on hand is concerned, the action on the part of the doctors and staff at the government hospital in not providing proper treatment in time to the woman was against the code of medical ethics."

The matter came into consideration before the Human Rights Commission after the Commission had initiated suo motu complaint on the basis of a newspaper report published back on May 30, 2021.

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In the concerned Newspaper report, it had been alleged that a patient faced immense difficulties due to the negligence conducted by the government doctors in the Government Hospital, Tiruttani. The concerned woman allegedly carried a pair of scissors in her abdomen for 12 whole years and ultimately she got relief after the doctors of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital removed the scissor, adds the Times of India.

After considering the matter, the Commission referred to the fundamental right to life secured under the Constitution of India and observed, "Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees the fundamental right to life to every citizen. Hence, the right of a citizen to preserve one's life and get medical treatment on time was considered by the Supreme Court and also by the Madras high court."

Holding the State of Tamil Nadu vicariously liable for the act of medical negligence committed by the doctors of the Government hospital and directed the State to compensate the concerned patient by paying her Rs 10 lakh compensation.

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