New Delhi: Apollo Hospital slapped Rs 10 Lakhs for medical negligence

"She was under treatment. The tumour was very much in the brain. Ultimately she has to undergo Gamma Knife Radio Surgery in the VIMHANS Hospital. Under these circumstances, we are of the view that interest of justice will suffice if compensation of Rs. 10 lakh is awarded to the complainant...plus litigation expense of Rs. 50,000," it said.

The forum further said 80 per cent of the amount shall be paid by the hospital and the rest borne by the concerned doctor.

According to the complaint, Devi was admitted to the hospital in September 2002 as she was suffering constant headache for around nine months.

She was suggested to undergo an operation due to the tumour. However, instead of removing it, the area of the tumour was suppressed in the operation, it said.

After some time, the tumour erupted again causing her more headache. The hospital claimed there was no tumour in her brain and suggested some medicines, the complaint claimed.

It said Devi took the medicines for two years but as there was no relief, she had to be admitted to the other hospital in 2004 which confirmed the presence of the tumour and was operated upon there.

Thereafter, Devi's family members approached the state consumer commission seeking Rs.42 lakh as compensation. The state commission referred the complaint to the district forum.

The hospital and the doctor concerned have denied any deficiency on their part.