In Brief
A retired government employee's wife underwent laparoscopic gall bladder surgery and suffered undetected injuries to her colon and bile duct, leading to peritonitis and death. The surgeon dismissed the patient's deteriorating condition and abnormal drain discharge as minor complications. The Supreme Court held the surgeon and hospital liable for medical negligence, finding that a reasonably competent surgeon should have detected the warning signs and sought immediate intervention. The Court awarded Rs. 25 lakhs in compensation, noting that the Medical Council of India's Ethics Committee had already found the surgeon negligent for failing to suspect complications despite clear clinical indicators.
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