Post-op problems: Mohali hospital told to pay Rs35 lakh

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 11

Sending a strong message to hospitals to inform patients about risks involved in their medical care, particularly surgery, the Punjab Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has fined Mohali-based Silver Oak Hospital Rs35 lakh along with 7 per cent interest from the date of complaint till the date of payment.

Silver Oak, which merged with Shalby Multi-Speciality Hospitals in 2017, has been fined for “mental agony, harassment, avoidable pain, causing disability and suffering to SK Chopra, a resident of Chandigarh”.

Chopra, who is in his 70s, was underwent replacement of knees in December 2010 after which he suffered from many post-operation complications.

President of the commission Justice Paramjeet Singh Dhaliwal (retd) and member Kiran Sibal in the order said: “Doctor must obtain patient’s consent. No one else can consent on behalf of a competent adult (patient)”.

After his operation, Chopra suffered from loose motions followed by constipation, excessive cough and also bilateral pleural effusion. The persistent pain in his knees also did not subside. He went to several other hospitals, but got no relief.

He complained that he was not made aware of the repercussions of his treatment. His family members complained that they were informed only under duress.

The commission has also named senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr ON Nagi as “severely liable” for medical negligence. The commission ordered that Chopra be paid Rs33,000 more as the cost of litigation.

Speaking on behalf of Shalby Multi-Speciality Hospital, law officer Sachin Baid said: “The order passed by the commission is against Silver Oak Hospital and was initiated in 2013. This was prior to Silver Oak amalgamating with Shalby Hospital in 2017. We are in the process of verifying records from promoters and visiting surgeon concerned. We shall review the matter”.