Doctor told to pay Rs 4 lakh as damages
The Ernakulam Bench of the Permanent Lok Adalat has directed a gynaecologist of Idukki Government Hospital to pay Rs 4 lakh as compensation to a man whose wife died on account of medical negligence.
The Bench directed Vincent Lobo, obstetrician and gynaecologist, to pay compensation to Satheesan, Rajamudi, Idukki.
Satheesan had filed a petition before the Kerala State Legal Services Authority which had been forwarded it to the Permanent Lok Adalat.
The petitioner alleged that his wife, Sunitha, died due to negligence on the part of the doctor.
The doctor had deliberately postponed caesarian section on his wife, demanding illegal gratification, leading to her death.
The Adalat concluded that the doctor had committed negligence and failed to act as a reasonable and prudent medical practitioner.
The Permanent Lok Adalat has been set up to adjudicate disputes relating to public utility services.
The decision of the Adalat is final and it can be executed against the doctor by filing a petition before the Idukki Munsiff Court, as per the provision of the Legal Services Authorities Act.