Leaking nose treatment ends in paralysis? Hospital, doctors ordered to pay Rs 15 lakh to woman

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has ordered Rs 15 lakh in compensation to a woman from Ludhiana who developed paralysis after a hospital failed to promptly treat her severe post-procedure pain and numbness. The case involved the Satguru Pratap Singh Apollo Hospitals and three doctors - Dr M Deepender Singh and Dr Gaurav Kuthiala.

The complaint was filed by Deepak Bansal and his wife Kiran Bala, who were treated at the hospital in September 2011. The NCDRC found that the hospital and doctors had failed to respond urgently to the woman's worsening condition after a lumbar drain was placed to assist treatment for spinal fluid leakage from her nose. While the commission noted no medical negligence in the initial procedure, it found that the team should have prepared to respond quickly to continued pain and numbness, and closely monitored the patient's condition.

The hospital and doctors were held liable for failing to prepare the patient for potential complications, and for not promptly investigating and consulting with experts. The commission held that the claimed compensation of Rs 2 crore was excessive and ordered the hospital to pay Rs 15 lakh as lump-sum compensation, with 6 per cent interest from the date of the complaint until payment.