Lab Failed to Spot Fibroid, Woman Awarded ₹1 Lakh

A diagnostic center and its physician were held responsible for professional negligence by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Ludhiana. This followed an ultrasound that failed to detect a significant uterine fibroid and bilateral ovarian cysts in a 32-year-old woman.

The commission ordered Gamma Scan and Path Lab and Dr. Manjit Singh Binepal to pay ₹1 lakh in compensation. This award addresses the mental agony, harassment, and increased medical expenses incurred by Ramanjeet Kaur Gill, a Canadian resident.

Gill initially underwent an ultrasound on February 10, 2024, which reported a normal uterus with no fibroids, only a cyst. Dissatisfied, she sought a second opinion the same day, which identified a substantial lesion in the uterus and cysts in both ovaries.

Subsequent specialist consultations and an MRI confirmed the presence of a fibroid uterus and bilateral endometriotic cysts. Gill then underwent multiple surgical procedures, including cystectomy and myomectomy, to address these conditions.

The commission rejected the lab's defense regarding ultrasound types, emphasizing that a routine scan should have detected all abnormalities. It noted that an incorrect normal report could dangerously delay necessary medical interventions.

The compensation of ₹1 lakh was awarded, falling short of the ₹20 lakh sought by the complainant, but the directive for payment within 30 days was clear.