Supreme Court Awards Compensation in Medical Negligence Case, Emphasizing Post-Operative Care Standards
Last Updated on January 2, 2025 by Amit Patra
In a significant ruling highlighting the responsibility of medical practitioners in post-operative care, the Supreme Court has ordered an eye surgeon to pay Rs. 3.5 lakh compensation to a patient who lost vision after a cataract surgery due to an undiagnosed infection.
The case was about a patient who underwent cataract surgery in Pune in the year 1999 and developed serious complications thereafter. After visiting the doctor five times within a week with complaints of severe pain, headache, and loss of vision, the surgeon continuously told the patient that the surgery had been successful without making proper diagnosis of the developing infection.
Justices Vikram Nath and PB Varale, overturning the NCDRC’s findings, emphasized that the doctor’s failure to diagnose endophthalmitis (a serious eye infection) despite multiple warning signs constituted “blatant medical negligence.” The Court found particularly concerning that while three other doctors immediately identified the infection when consulted, it was too late to prevent complete vision loss.
The Court’s decision rested heavily on the expert testimony, which brought out two important points: first, that post-operative pus discharge is not normal and needs aggressive treatment; and second, that persistent pain and failure to recover vision are key symptoms of endophthalmitis needing prompt attention.
This judgment is an important reminder of the duty of care by medical professionals, especially in post-operative care. The direction of the Court that compensation shall be paid within two months, with 12% annual interest applicable on delays, shows the seriousness with which the judiciary views cases of medical negligence.
For the medical community, this ruling brings about standards for post-operative care and supports the earlier diagnosis of patients; for patients, it underscores their right to proper medical care and compensation when care falls below acceptable standards.
