Court orders action against delinquent diagnostic centre
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 26 2025: In connection with a case filed by a patient against a diagnostic centre located at RIMS Road for losing a biopsy test sample, the Court of District Consumers Redressal Commission, Imphal has directed the Directorate of Health Services to investigate and take action against the diagnostic centre.

According to an order passed by the Court of District Consumers Redressal Commission, Imphal with regard to the complaint filed by one Nongmaithem Jamuna Devi (44) w/o Irom Premkumar Meitei of Moidangpok Awang Leikai, on October 30 last year, the complainant was admitted to Maipakpi Maternity and Child Hospital with complaints of abdominal pain.

Further investigation found some mass in her uterus and the mass was removed through an operation.

A biopsy sample of the mass was sent to the diagnostic centre located at RIMS Road for clinical testing on October 31 the same year with the centre charging Rs 2,500 as clinical fee.

However, when the patient party went to collect the test result, they were informed that the biopsy had been lost.

Since the diagnostic centre had lost the sample given for clinical testing, it is no longer possible to hnd what disease the patient is suffering from.

As such, the Court ordered the diagnostic centre to pay a compensation of Rs 1,50,000 along with test fee (Rs 2,500) to the female patient within 30 days, for such gross negligence and putting the patient under distress.

The Court further said that if the diagnostic centre fails to pay the compensation within the stipulated dateline, a 12 present interest per year shall be added to the amount.

It also ordered for taking a criminal case against the centre, while directing the director of Health Services to investigate and take necessary action against the diagnostic centre or its manager.

Mention may be made here that the case was filed on January 15 this year, with the complainant represented by advocates L Hemanta and Samila Paonam.

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