Hospital & Surgeon Ordered to Pay Rs 50 Lakh for Negligence

A district consumer court in Hyderabad has directed Yashoda Group of Hospitals and spine surgeon Dr. Venkata Ramakrishna T to pay Rs 50 lakh in compensation for medical negligence. The ruling followed a complaint by a woman from Tripura who alleged an unwarranted spine surgery rendered her bedridden and financially dependent.

In February 2019, the complainant sought treatment for back pain, receiving a Grade-I spondylolisthesis diagnosis. Despite later opinions suggesting conservative management, the surgeon allegedly advised immediate surgery, warning of paralysis. The procedure was performed in May 2019 at Yashoda Hospital.

Post-surgery, the complainant experienced severe pain, numbness, and loss of mobility. Medical evaluations from institutions like NIMHANS indicated post-operative spinal defects and 'Failed Back Syndrome.' The hospital contended that surgery was necessary based on Grade-II findings and informed consent was obtained.

The commission noted a discrepancy, with the diagnosis shifting from Grade-I to Grade-II spondylolisthesis without a repeat MRI. Given the lifelong physical, emotional, and financial consequences, the court awarded Rs 50 lakh for trauma and loss, plus Rs 20,000 for litigation costs, payable within 45 days.