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Prayagraj, July 27, 2025 – The Allahabad High Court has strongly criticized the conduct of some private hospitals and nursing homes, accusing them of treating patients as “guinea pigs or ATM machines” in pursuit of profit, often at the expense of proper medical care and infrastructure.
Justice Prasant Kumar delivered these observations while dismissing a petition filed by Dr. Ashok Kumar Rai, owner of a nursing home implicated in the death of a pregnant woman. The woman had been admitted for childbirth and surgery, but due to the late arrival of an anaesthetist, the operation was not conducted in time, resulting in the fetus’s death.
The court pointed out that it has become common for certain medical establishments to entice patients for treatment despite lacking adequate doctors or infrastructure. “Medical facilities have started treating patients as guinea pig/ATM machines only to extort money from them,” the court stated.
While acknowledging that medical professionals deserve protection, Justice Kumar emphasized this protection should not extend to those running nursing homes without proper facilities, trained staff, or essential infrastructure, particularly when such deficiencies are exploited merely for financial gain.
After examining the case records, the High Court concluded that this incident represented a clear “misadventure.” The doctor in question proceeded with admitting the patient and sought family consent for the operation but delayed the procedure due to the unavailability of an anaesthetist, leading to tragic consequences.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information from the Allahabad High Court’s order as reported in the media. The details reflect court observations and the facts presented in the legal proceedings. For further specifics about the case, please refer to official court documents or consult legal professionals for advice and interpretation.
