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Hospital Errs: HIV-Positive Record Sparks Outrage
20 Aug
Summary
- Hospital recorded patient as HIV positive despite later negative tests.
- Patient suffered mental, physical agony and financial loss.
- AIIMS Rishikesh ordered to pay Rs 50,000 for medical negligence.
The Uttarakhand state consumer commission has affirmed a ruling against AIIMS Rishikesh for medical negligence. The hospital incorrectly recorded a patient as HIV positive in its medical records on multiple occasions.
This incorrect diagnosis occurred after the patient was admitted to AIIMS Rishikesh in July 2014. He was discharged with an HIV-positive status, despite later tests at other facilities in Dehradun showing him to be HIV negative.
The patient pursued a case, alleging mental, physical, and financial harm due to the hospital's error. The Haridwar district consumer commission initially ordered AIIMS to pay Rs 50,000 in compensation and Rs 10,000 for litigation costs.
AIIMS contested the ruling, denying the HIV diagnosis and questioning the commission's jurisdiction. However, the state commission found that AIIMS's own records, including the discharge summary, clearly indicated the HIV-positive status. It noted the serious consequences of an HIV diagnosis.
Ultimately, the commission concluded that AIIMS breached its duty of care, leading to the patient's suffering. The appeal by AIIMS was dismissed, upholding the original compensation order.
