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Coimbatore, June 2025 — A private hospital in Coimbatore has been directed by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) to pay Rs 6.35 lakh in compensation to a patient who contracted Hepatitis B following a blood transfusion received during her postnatal care.
According to reports, the patient, a resident of Coimbatore, had been undergoing regular check-ups at the hospital on Puliakulam Road throughout her pregnancy. A blood test conducted on October 3, 2022, confirmed she was negative for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), indicating no prior infection.
On May 2, 2023, the patient gave birth at the hospital. During the postnatal period, she experienced significant blood loss and was administered a transfusion of one unit of packed red cells from the hospital’s blood bank. She was discharged the same day.
After discharge, the patient began experiencing joint pain and sought treatment at another hospital. A blood test on August 1, 2023, revealed she was HBsAg positive—confirming a new Hepatitis B infection. The patient asserted that between April 30 and August 1, 2023, she had not been admitted to any other hospital or taken medication elsewhere. She also stated she had no prior history of jaundice or liver disease.
The patient filed a complaint with the Coimbatore District Consumer Court, citing medical negligence and deficiency in service. The Commission, led by President R Thangavel and members P Marimuthu and G Suguna, ruled in her favor. The hospital was ordered to pay Rs 5 lakh as compensation for mental agony and emotional trauma, Rs 1.35 lakh for medical expenses, and Rs 5,000 for litigation costs.
The case highlights the critical importance of stringent blood screening protocols in hospitals and the legal consequences of lapses in patient safety.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on reports from Medical Dialogues and other media sources. The information provided is for general awareness only and should not be considered as legal or medical advice. Readers are advised to consult qualified professionals for any health or legal concerns related to this matter.
