Ludhiana Hospital Fined Rs 15 Lakh for Treatment Delays

A Ludhiana hospital and two doctors were held liable by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, ordered to pay Rs 15 lakh compensation. The case involved a 36-year-old woman treated in September 2011 for CSF rhinorrhoea. While initial surgeries were found to be adequate, her subsequent worsening pain and numbness after a lumbar drain placement were not promptly addressed.

The commission noted a "collective lack of urgency" by the hospital and its expert team in responding to the patient's deteriorating condition. Specifically, the medical records lacked documentation of a timely visit by Dr. Deepender Singh and clear details of investigations and expert advice following Kiran Bala's reported pain and numbness.

The liability was determined for deficiency in service, specifically for failing to ensure the hospital team monitored the patient adequately and responded quickly to warning signs. The commission stated that closer monitoring and more rigorous assessment were imperative after the lumbar drain procedure. Dr. Siddharth Garg was not found liable for his timely response.

The Rs 15 lakh compensation, with 6% interest, is to be paid by October 4, 2026. The hospital bears 90% of the liability, while the two doctors each bear 5%. The hospital must also pay Rs 25,000 in costs. Failure to comply by the deadline will increase interest to 9%.