Hyderabad: The Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) has held the Government of Telangana is ‘vicariously liable’ for medical negligence that led to the death of a woman following a tubectomy surgery at a government health facility in Wanaparthy district.
What is the case about?
In HRC No. 2355 of 2018, the Commission passed its order on January 6, in connection with the death of M Lalitha, who underwent a tubectomy at a Government Community Health Centre in Wanaparthy district.
The Commission, headed by Dr Justice Shameem Akther, examined the circumstances surrounding the surgery and subsequent treatment.
Findings of medical negligence
The TGHRC found that ileal perforation during surgery and delay in detection resulted in septic peritonitis and cardio-pulmonary arrest, which ultimately caused the patient’s death.
Rejecting the explanation offered by the authorities, the Commission ruled out the claim that the death occurred due to ‘mere physiological complications’ and held that the lapse amounted to medical negligence.
Government held vicariously liable
The Commission held the Government of Telangana ‘vicariously liable’ for the negligence of its medical personnel, stating that the responsibility for the fatal outcome rested with the State.
Compensation found ‘wholly inadequate’
The TGHRC observed that the earlier compensation of Rs 2 lakh paid to the family was ‘wholly inadequate,’ particularly considering that the deceased is survived by a disabled husband and two minor children.
Recommendation for additional compensation and employment
In its order, the Commission recommended that the State pay an additional Rs 8 lakh as compensation to the family. It also advised the government to provide suitable employment to the husband so that the family can ‘live with dignity.’
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