In a case that has stirred the medical fraternity, a Chandigarh hospital has been held responsible for a surgery that went wrong, leaving the patient in distress and the institution with a legal bill of over ₹31 lakh.
Routine Surgery Turns Into a Legal Battle
What began as a standard laparoscopic gallbladder removal ended in a prolonged medical and legal struggle. During the procedure, a pancreatic duct (PD) stent broke and got stuck inside the patient’s body. The hospital was unable to remove it and had to refer the case to another facility.
Patient Referred to Another Hospital After Failed Procedure
With no advanced equipment available to retrieve the broken stent, the patient was transferred to a well-known hospital in Gurugram. Multiple attempts were made to remove the fragments. One piece, buried deep inside the duct, couldn’t be retrieved. The patient had to be admitted three times, going through extensive tests and further treatment.
Consumer Court Slams Hospital for Poor Readiness
The Consumer Court observed that the hospital decided to go ahead with the surgery despite not having the right tools or expertise to handle complications. This, the court said, amounted to a serious lapse in medical responsibility.
Low-Quality Stent Raises Big Questions
The court also highlighted that the hospital admitted the stent used was plastic and broke during the procedure. This raised doubts about its quality and fitness for use in a human body, adding further weight to the negligence claim.
Doctors Face the Burden When Systems Fail
The treating doctor argued that complications like bile leaks are known surgical risks. However, the court focused on the hospital’s lack of preparation and the overall failure to manage the aftermath, proving once again how doctors bear the impact when hospital systems fall short.
Compensation Crosses ₹31 Lakh Including Legal Costs
The court ordered the hospital to refund ₹6.37 lakh paid by the patient at Gurugram Hospital, pay ₹25 lakh as compensation for pain and mental agony, and ₹10,000 as legal costs, adding up to over ₹31.47 lakh in total.
Why This Case Is a Wake-Up Call for Every Doctor
This isn’t just a story about a stent. It’s about responsibility. It’s about being dragged into legal complications even when you act with the best intent. For doctors, especially those in high-risk procedures, this case is a clear signal: you can’t rely only on your skills or your institution’s word.
Your Practice Needs Legal Protection That Works
Even routine procedures can take unexpected turns. As this case shows, if something goes wrong, whether due to poor equipment, missed protocols, or referral decisions, it’s the doctor who ends up under scrutiny.
Indemnity Is No Longer a Choice for Modern Doctors
With rising litigation, compensation claims, and shifting court trends, having customized indemnity cover is essential. It’s not just financial protection; it’s a protection of your future. It helps you focus on your work, knowing you’re not alone if a legal notice arrives.
CoverYou Offers What Generic Policies Don’t
At CoverYou, we understand what doctors face. Customized our indemnity insurance specifically for your practice, your specialty, and your exposure. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all cover; it’s precise, practical, and legally sharp.
Don’t Wait Until a Case Hits You; Act Before It Does
If you’re still unprotected or undercovered, the time to rethink isn’t after an incident. It’s now. As this case proves, even a small tool like a stent can become the center of a legal storm. Be covered before it’s your turn.
