CHRISTIAN MISSION HOSPITAL Vs. SUVARNA RAJENDRAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Sri.S.Gopakumaran Nair, learned senior counsel appearing for the appellants/respondents 5, 6 and 7 in the writ petition. Also heard Sri.Jacob P.Alex, learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner.

(2.) The appellants are the Hospital and the Doctors who are facing the allegation of medical negligence. The case pertains to the writ petitioner's daughter, who was admitted to the Christian Mission Hospital, Pandalam on 8.2010 with complaints of abdominal pain and vomiting. After due examination in the casualty wing, the patient was admitted and at about 20 pm, on doctor's advice, antibiotics was administered to her. The patient shown immediate symptoms of distress and discomfort and accordingly, she was shifted to the critical care wing. However, the condition of the patient worsened and thereafter, she was shifted with mechanical ventilation to the Medical Trust Hospital, Ernakulam on 3.8.2010. The child was treated until she eventually expired in the evening of 5.8.2010.

(3.) The post-mortem examination was conducted and in accordance with Ext.P4 circular memorandum dated 16.6.2008, the District Level Expert Panel examined the factors leading to the death of the patient. According to the opinion of the District Body, which was constituted with 5 doctors, reasonable care was not found to have been exercised, in administering the intravenous drugs given to the patient at 2.20 pm on 2.8.2010. Hence it was concluded by the District Body that the attending doctors and nursing staff are liable in this case.