Vision Gone, Billions in Pain: Hospital Slapped with Huge Fine for Negligence

Health & Wellness

Posted by AI on 2025-08-01 09:53:35 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 00:25:46

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Tirupati's District Consumer Court has handed a staggering penalty to Medicover Hospital, formerly Simhapuri Hospital, located in Nellore. The hospital has been fined the massive sum of Rs.61.62 lakh for its egregious medical negligence that caused complete vision loss in one man's left eye and severe health complications.

Chevuru Suresh Babu, a panchayat secretary in Sullurpet, Tirupati district, was admitted to Medicover Hospital for a sinusitis surgery procedure under general anaesthesia on May 11, 2017. However, within just 24 hours of the operation, Suresh Babu experienced severe complications, including a drooping eyelid and irreversible vision loss in his left eye. Additionally, he suffered complications affecting his head and brain.

To combat these life-altering complications, Suresh Babu sought treatment at Apollo Brain & Spine Hospitals in Chennai, where he underwent multiple complicated surgeries to address the preventable problems stemming from the initial procedure.

Subsequently, Suresh Babu filed a case against Medicover Hospital in the District Consumer Court, alleging medical negligence on the hospital's part. However, the hospital steadfastly denied the charges.

The consumer court, chaired by Judge Ginka Reddy Sekhar, noted that Medicover Hospital failed to produce essential medical records and operation notes, which raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided. After reviewing expert medical opinions and the evidence submitted by the victim, the court ruled that Medicover Hospital had indeed been negligent.

The judge ordered the hospital to pay Rs.21,62,752.49 to cover the medical expenses incurred by Suresh Babu during subsequent treatments and Rs.40,00,000 as compensation for the physical and mental suffering endured by the patient. The court also levied a additional Rs.5,000 towards case costs.

Medicover has been given a 45-day deadline to comply with the courts order. If the hospital fails to pay within the deadline, it will have to face an additional 9 per cent annual interest on the amount.

This landmark decision sends a strong message to healthcare institutions and underscores the paramount importance of providing quality care to patients. It recognizes the irreparable harm caused by medical negligence and holds accountable those responsible.

The hefty fine serves as a stark reminder of the life-altering consequences that can result from medical malpractice. It is sincerely hoped that this decision will inspire improved standards of care and vigilant patient safety across healthcare facilities in India.

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