In Brief
This appeal involved a premature baby who suffered permanent blindness due to medical negligence at a hospital. The hospital failed to conduct mandatory retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening—a critical test for premature babies to prevent blindness. Additionally, the hospital wrongfully withheld the baby's medical records for over two years, violating statutory obligations. The court held the hospital and its senior ophthalmologist jointly and severally liable for medical negligence. The court affirmed that vicarious liability applies to hospitals for their doctors' acts, and that compensation must follow the principle of restitutio in integrum (restoration to original position). The appeal was allowed and compensation directed to the mother for the child's welfare and education.
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