Sudipta Chakrobarty  vs  Ranaghat S.D. Hospital

CITATION	2021 AIRONLINE SC 78
DATE OF JUDGMENT	February 15, 2021
COURT	Supreme court of india
APPELLANT	Sudipta Chakrobarty
RESPONDENT	Ranaghat S.D. Hospital
BENCH	Indu malhotra , Ajay rastogi

INTRODUCTION                                                                                                                                  The case of Sudipta Chakrobarty vs. Ranaghat S.D. Hospital, adjudicated by the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, West Bengal, on February 15, 2021, serves as a significant example of medical negligence litigation. Presided over by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Samir Kumar Maiti, this case delves into the crucial aspects of healthcare standards and the accountability of medical institutions. The complainant, Sudipta Chakrobarty, accused Ranaghat S.D. Hospital of providing substandard medical care, resulting in severe physical and emotional distress. This analysis examines the facts, issues, arguments, evidence, findings, and legal principles applied in determining the hospital’s liability and the subsequent compensation awarded to the complainant. The case highlights the importance of upholding medical standards and the protective mechanisms available under the Consumer Protection Act to redress grievances related to medical services.

FACTS OF THE CASE

1. Sudipta Chakrobarty sought treatment at Ranaghat S.D. Hospital.

2. Chakrobarty alleged negligence in medical care provided by the hospital staff.

3. The alleged negligence resulted in significant physical and emotional harm to Chakrobarty.

4. Chakrobarty filed a complaint seeking compensation before the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, West Bengal.

5. The hospital denied negligence, asserting adherence to standard medical procedures.

6. Evidence included medical records, a discharge summary, expert testimony, and witness statements supporting the claim of negligence.

ISSUES RAISED

1. Whether Ranaghat S.D. Hospital was negligent in providing medical services to Sudipta Chakrobarty.

2. Whether the complainant is entitled to compensation for the alleged negligence.

CONTENTIONS OF APPEALENT

1.  Chakrobarty argued that the hospital staff failed to provide the standard of care expected, which led to adverse health outcomes.
2. Claimed discrepancies and errors in the treatment received, as evidenced by medical records and a discharge summary, which allegedly exacerbated Chakrobarty’s condition.
3. Presented testimony from an independent medical expert who concluded that the hospital’s care fell below accepted medical standards. 
4. Asserted that the negligent care resulted in significant physical and emotional harm, as supported by witness statements and medical evidence.

CONTENTIONS OF REPONDENT

1. The hospital maintained that it adhered to standard medical procedures and protocols in treating Sudipta Chakrobarty.
2. Ranaghat S.D. Hospital argued that it provided appropriate and necessary medical care to Chakrobarty during the treatment period. 
3. The hospital disputed the appellant’s claims regarding errors or discrepancies in the medical treatment provided. 
4. Ranaghat S.D. Hospital contested the conclusions drawn by the appellant’s expert witness regarding the standard of care provided. 
5. The hospital questioned the severity of the physical and emotional harm alleged by Chakrobarty as a result of the medical treatment. 

EVIDENCE

1. The complainant provided medical records detailing the treatment received at Ranaghat S.D. Hospital, highlighting discrepancies and errors in the care provided.

2. A discharge summary from the hospital indicating the procedures performed and the medications prescribed, which the complainant argued were incorrect and led to complications.

3. Testimony from an independent medical expert who reviewed the case and concluded that the standard of care provided by the hospital fell below acceptable medical standards.

4. Visual evidence and diagnostic test results showing the deterioration in the complainant’s condition following the treatment at the hospital.

JUDGEMENT

Order placed before the President of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission to look into the matter, and take necessary steps so that this practice is discontinued, The Commission, therefore, rules in favor of Sudipta Chakrobarty and orders Ranaghat S.D. Hospital to compensate the complainant for the physical and emotional harm caused by their negligent medical services. Where Ranaghat S.D. Hospital is directed to pay a specified amount as compensation to Sudipta Chakrobarty for the harm suffered. 

ANALYSIS

The Commission examined the evidence meticulously, including the medical records and expert testimony. It was observed that the hospital’s medical staff failed to adhere to the expected standard of care, as indicated by discrepancies in the treatment provided and the subsequent deterioration in Sudipta Chakrobarty’s health condition. The discharge summary and expert testimony further substantiated these claims, highlighting lapses in procedural adherence and diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSION

The case underscores the importance of healthcare providers maintaining high standards of care and the role of consumer protection laws in holding them accountable for lapses. The decision reinforces the rights of patients to seek compensation for medical negligence and emphasizes the judiciary’s role in ensuring justice for aggrieved patients.

REFERENCES

1. AIROnline
2. https://indiankanoon.org/doc/191399817/ 

Written by Subhadip Biswas an intern under legal vidhiya

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