Patient dies after allopathic treatment by homeopath- Rs 98 lakh medical negligence case in consumer court

Rajkot: A Gujarat-based homeopathic practitioner is facing a Rs 98 lakh compensation suit for medical negligence in the treatment of a patient who died after being shifted to a private hospital. It has been alleged that the homeopath practitioner allegedly administered modern medicine, including intravenous medication, to a patient, who died after being shifted to a private hospital.

The father of the deceased has filed a consumer court case against the homeopath seeking Rs 98 lakh as compensation for medical malpractice resulting in the death of his 25-year-old son.

Back in August, the complainant's son, who used to work for a private company in Ahmedabad, fell ill during a visit home for the Janmashtami festival. He started experiencing weakness and uneasiness, and thereafter was taken to Shriji Clinic, run by the concerned homeopathy degree holder.

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As per the latest media report by the Times of India, the complainant has alleged that the homeopath conducted pathological tests and administered modern medicines, including intravenous medication, despite lacking proper qualifications for the same.

Following this, the patient started shivering and lost consciousness. Consequently, the practitioner shifted him to Pulse Multispecialty Hospital, where a brain MRI was advised. Later, the patient was referred to Civil Hospital and, thereafter, another private hospital, where he died.

It has been alleged by the deceased patient's family that despite a postmortem examination, they were not told what was the cause of death. The counsel for the complainant, Gajendra Jani, told TOI, "We've also filed an application with police. The doctor treated the patient without having the appropriate qualifications. This is a clear case of medical malpractice. The court admitted our petition and issued notice to the respondents."

In the plea, the homoeopathy practitioner has been accused of medical negligence, professional misconduct, deficiency in service, and unfair trade practices. The Rs 98 lakh claim that has been filed by the complainant includes the compensation for lost future income, mental trauma, and litigation costs.

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This incident has come to light amid the ongoing conflict between homeopaths and modern medicine practitioners in Maharashtra. Medical Dialogues has been reporting on how allopathic practitioners have strictly opposed the proposals of mixopathy.

Recently, the Maharashtra Medical Council's decision to register homeopathic doctors who have completed the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) was strongly opposed by modern medicine practitioners. Consequently, the MMC decided to withdraw its decision.

This led to a hunger strike by more than 9,000 CCMP-certified homeopathic doctors in Maharashtra, following which, the Government asked for a few days to review their demands.

Also Read: Maharashtra Medical Council withdraws registration of Homeopaths practising Allopathy