Doctor Liable: Rs 35 Lakh Fine for Plaster Negligence

The Delhi State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission has ruled a doctor liable for medical negligence, ordering him to pay Rs 35 lakh to a woman. In 2014, the doctor allegedly applied a plaster to the woman's fractured leg when surgical intervention was required. The commission noted that the patient was treated with a temporary plaster for months, contrary to the standard medical protocol which indicated urgent surgical treatment.

Representations from the woman's legal team argued that the doctor's negligence led to permanent joint damage. Conversely, the defense maintained that standard protocols were followed, and ankle fractures can have inherent risks. However, expert medical opinion from Safdarjang Hospital confirmed that 'definitive operative fixation' was the standard protocol in such cases, emphasizing the need for immediate surgical assistance.

Without providing prescriptions or tests for re-evaluation, the doctor's conduct was deemed to fall below the accepted standard of care. The commission awarded Rs 30 lakh as compensation and an additional Rs 5 lakh for the protracted litigation spanning over a decade. This ruling highlights doctors' obligation to provide proper treatment and address patient concerns effectively.