Patient Left Paralysed Despite No Surgical Error, Consumer Court Orders Hospital, Doctors to Pay Rs 15 Lakh Compensation - Video

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has ordered a Punjab hospital and two doctors to pay ₹15 lakh compensation after a patient was left paralysed following a lumbar drain procedure, despite finding no surgical error. In its July 29, 2026 order, the Commission said the issue was the delayed response after the procedure. The patient developed pain and numbness in her thighs and legs from around 5:30 PM on September 23, 2011, but an MRI was conducted only at about 1 PM the next day, nearly 19.5 hours later. By then, her lower-limb motor power had fallen to 1/5, and she was diagnosed with myelitis, a serious complication of lumbar drain procedures.

The Commission found deficiencies in post-operative monitoring, timely neurological assessment and investigation of warning signs. It also noted inadequate documentation of overnight care and no clear explanation for the delayed MRI. The hospital and two doctors were held liable for failing to ensure that the attending team was adequately prepared to respond urgently to foreseeable complications. The hospital was directed to bear 90% of the ₹15 lakh compensation, while the treating surgeon and anaesthetist were each assigned 5% liability. The amount carries 6% annual interest, rising to 9% if unpaid after October 4, 2026, along with ₹25,000 in litigation costs, according to The Economic Times report.