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NCDRC : Doctors Not Liable If Treatment Follows Recognized Medical Practice Complaint Dismissed Against Eye Specialists Over Alleged Steroid-Induced Cataract

Created on: 2025-04-26 12:14:45
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Kumari Kritika developed swelling in her right eye and visited Dr. Harish Gupta (OP-1) in 2014. Dr. Gupta referred her to Dr. S.D. Tayal (OP-2), who prescribed Pred-Forte eye drops. Her vision deteriorated over time, and she was later diagnosed with cataracts attributed to prolonged use of Pred-Forte. She alleged medical negligence and filed a complaint

District Forum:
➔ Dismissed the complaint, holding no negligence proven against the doctors.
➔ Found no expert evidence and observed that the patient didn’t follow up as instructed.

State Commission (Appeal):
➔ Allowed the appeal partially.
➔ Ordered OP-1 and OP-2 to pay ₹5 lakh compensation, ₹2 lakh for mental harassment, and ₹50,000 litigation cost, with interest.

NCDRC (Revision):
➔ Both doctors challenged the State Commission’s order.

Just because a doctor opts for a particular line of treatment but does not achieve the desired result, they cannot be held liable for negligence, provided that the said course of action undertaken was recognized as sound and relevant medical practice

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