Woman who lost husband due to ‘medical negligence’ wins legal battle

Woman who lost husband due to ‘medical negligence’ wins legal battle

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Aug 8, 2015 : A woman from Herebettu who had moved the Consumer Court against a doctor  accusing him of medical negligence resulting in the death of her husband five years ago, has now won the case. The court has directed Dr YG Ashok Kumar to pay a compensation of Rs 15 lakhs to the complainant.

This was informed to the media here by Latha CS Holla, the advocate for the petitioner Srilatha M Hegde.  Srilatha’s husband Mahim Kumar Hegde who was also the  local unit chief of JD(S)  had died on June 10,2010.  Latha Holla stated that  the petitioner in her complaint had alleged that Dr  Ashok Kumar who was also a friend of late Mahim Kumar had failed to  properly diagnose the heart problems of Mahim Hegde.

“Mahim was undergoing treatment under Dr Ashok Kumar since 2004 for several health problems including Diabetes, blood pressure and fatigue.  He had approached the doctor on June 8, 2010 complaining of sweating and chest pain. The doctor had then prescribed  come medicines  stating that Mahim’s condition was quite ok. However, the next night Mahim’s condition had worsened with him getting severe chest pain apart form vomiting sensation as well as sweating and giddiness.

“When Dr Kumar was consulted on June 10, 2010, he suggested  the patient to  go to Gandhi Hospital where  no test was undertaken but the patient was asked to  shift  to Yenepoya Hospital. However, doctors declared Mahim dead.” Latha Holla stated.

“Dr. Kumar who  has an MBBS degree and MD in internal medicine however  had no certification as cardiologist, but still hangs a board mentioning himself as ‘cardiologist nad nephrologist’ outside  his clinic near Kunjibettu,” the advocate said and added that he had expressed helplessness in treating  Mahim in the last minute eventually costing the latter’s life.

The consumer court has also asked the Gandhi Hospital to pay a fine of Rs 10,000 for negligence lest both the doctor and the hospital will have to pay an interest of 12 per cent. Both  also have to pay court expenses  of Rs 5000.

She also stated that the press meet was convened to create an awareness among the public.

Shivaprasad Hegde, the brother of the deceased Mahim Kumar Hegde was also present at the press meet.