Hospitals in Allahabad accused of exploiting patients like cash machines by the High Court
The Allahabad High Court in India has criticised private hospitals and nursing homes for unethical healthcare practices, stating that patients are being treated as "guinea pigs" or "ATM machines" to extort money from them. This observation came during a case where the Court refused to quash a medical negligence case against a doctor who admitted a pregnant woman for surgery without necessary facilities, including the absence of an anaesthetist, leading to the death of the foetus.
The Court's observations highlight several systemic issues in private healthcare in India. Common unethical practices include private hospitals admitting patients even without proper doctors or infrastructure and calling doctors only after admission to initiate treatment. This practice compromises patient safety and care quality.
The Court also noted that these healthcare providers often charge exorbitant fees and demand additional payments, treating patients as sources of money rather than human beings in need of care. The case in question involved Dr. Ashok Kumar Rai, who allegedly delayed surgery due to the anaesthetist’s non-availability, resulting in foetal death. The Court questioned the delay in the operation and expressed dismay over the lack of preparedness as evidence of negligence.
The Court stressed that while diligent and cautious medical professionals deserve protection, those operating nursing homes without proper infrastructure and exploiting patients financially shall not be shielded from legal proceedings. Patients in India have rights under the Consumer Protection Act and Medical Councils, including the right to informed consent, quality treatment, and redressal against malpractice or negligence. However, enforcement gaps and the profit-driven nature of some private providers often lead to exploitation.
The court's ruling could potentially set a precedent for similar cases involving negligence in private hospitals. It could also impact the way private hospitals in India handle emergency situations, especially in cases involving pregnant women. The decision is significant for medical professionals and patients in private hospitals in India, underscoring the need for stronger patient protections and accountability in the country's healthcare system.
The case is being heard in the Allahabad High Court in Prayagraj, India, and the dismissed plea was from Dr Ashok Kumar Rai, owner of a nursing home, whose facility admitted a pregnant woman for childbirth and surgery without an anaesthetist, resulting in the death of the foetus. The court found the case to be a pure misadventure due to the non-availability of an anaesthetist. The court's concern is not about the doctor's qualifications but about the timeliness of the medical treatment provided.
- The dearth of proper infrastructure in some Indian private hospitals has raised concerns about the quality of care provided, as demonstrated by the case involving Dr. Ashok Kumar Rai, who admitting a pregnant woman for surgery without necessary facilities, including an anaesthetist.
- The exploitative healthcare practices prevalent in India's private medical-conditions sector, such as charging exorbitant fees and treating patients as sources of money rather than individuals in need of health-and-wellness, have been criticised by the Allahabad High Court.
- Infrastructure development in India's cricket academies and scientific research institutes has been flourishing, but the same attention should be given to improving the infrastructure in the country's healthcare system, especially in private hospitals, to ensure a higher standard of care for Indian citizens.
