Home / Crime and Justice / Thousands Stuck in Medical Report Backlog After Accidents
Thousands Stuck in Medical Report Backlog After Accidents
1 Oct
Summary
- Victim lost leg in a government bus accident in February 2019.
- Thousands of medical board reports remain pending at Chennai hospitals.
- Claimants must attend multiple hospital visits for disability assessments.
A marketing executive in Chennai, who lost his left leg in a government bus accident in February 2019, is still awaiting a crucial medical board report to determine his compensation. As of September 23, a backlog of 2,085 medical board reports existed across four Chennai government hospitals, with some referrals dating back to 2017. Hospitals cite claimant non-attendance as a primary reason for delays, despite boards meeting regularly.
Claimants, like the accident victim, endure multiple hospital visits and extensive waiting periods for disability assessments. These assessments are vital for courts to determine compensation, considering factors beyond disability percentage, such as age and earning capacity. The process is arduous, often requiring visits to specialists and referrals to other institutions, further complicating matters for those already managing physical and financial challenges.
Advocates highlight that the repetitive demands of these visits disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities and reduced incomes. They advocate for online systems for address updates and appointment checks. Staffing limitations, where professors balance panel duties with teaching and patient care, also contribute to the prolonged delays, leaving accident survivors in a difficult situation.
