In a landmark ruling, a doctor in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has been held accountable for a life-altering mistake that shattered a patient's dream of fatherhood. After a grueling 14-year-long treatment, the patient, hailing from Jaunpur, was left unable to conceive, prompting the State Consumer Commission to award him a compensation of ?10 lakh.
The case centered around Dr. Arvind Gupta, a professor of nephrology at Motilal Nehru Medical College, who was treating the patient at Phoenix Hospital in Prayagraj for fertility issues. Over the years, the patient underwent numerous hormone injections under Dr. Gupta's care. However, a subsequent evaluation by another doctor revealed that this prolonged treatment had irreversibly harmed his fertility.
Adding to the complexity of the case, the court also imposed a fine of ?1 lakh on the private hospital for engaging a government-employed doctor for private practice. The judgment further directed that the compensation amount, along with an additional ?25,000 for case-related expenses and a 9% interest rate, be paid within 30 days.
This verdict has sent ripples through the medical fraternity, serving as a stark reminder of the trust patients place in their doctors and the grave consequences of medical negligence. For the patient, it marks a bittersweet closure to a long and painful journey, even as it highlights the importance of accountability in healthcare.
