NCDRC Holds Ludhiana Hospital and Doctors Accountable for Surgery Without Confirmed Diagnosis

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has upheld a 2018 order of the Punjab State Consumer Commission holding Ludhiana Hospital, its surgeons, and pathologists from Dayanand Medical College liable for medical negligence.

The case concerned a radical facial surgery for suspected cancer conducted solely on a pathology report that was merely “suggestive of malignant melanoma” and clearly required immunohistochemistry confirmation.

The procedure resulted in permanent facial disfigurement and lasting trauma to the patient.

While affirming liability, the NCDRC declined to enhance the ₹55 lakh compensation, excluded one surgeon due to limited involvement, and increased litigation costs to ₹5 lakh.

[Kanwalpreet Kaur v. Dayanand Medical College & Ors.]