A Lucknow-based hospital and its doctor have been directed by the NCDRC to pay a compensation of Rs. 10 Lakh for medical negligence caused due to retinal displacement of a patient on whom a Lasik Surgery was being performed.
The order from the state commission mentioned, “Medical negligence in conducting the Lasik surgery caused the retinal detachment. Thereafter, timely referral to a higher medical facility was not made.”
The case concerned a Lucknow-based patient, who consulted the treating doctor with complaints of high myopia in his eyes. As the doctor advised Lasik surgery, the patient got admitted to the treating hospital and the procedure was undertaken by the doctor on 19.06.2010. However, the surgery resulted in Retinal displacement in the left eye of the patient.
Holding the doctor and the hospital guilty of the medical negligence, the NCDRC said,
“Permanent damage to an eye cannot be quantified in monetary terms. However, as observed by the State Commission, the Award made by the District Forum appears just and equitable in the facts of the case.”