Ayurvedic Compounder Gave Allopathic Injection Causing Death: MP Consumer Forum Orders ₹11 Lakh Compensation

Introduction

In a significant ruling highlighting accountability in healthcare, a District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Madhya Pradesh has held a government Ayurvedic compounder responsible for the death of a 27 year old man after allegedly administering allopathic treatment beyond his authorized scope. The Commission has directed payment of approximately ₹11 lakh as compensation, including interest, to the victim’s family.

Incident from 2014 Leads to Compensation Order

The case dates back to 3 December 2014 in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. A farmer, Nihal Singh, had approached the Consumer Forum after the death of his son Jitendra Singh, who was taken to a local private clinic for complaints of severe pain in the limbs.

According to the complaint, Jitendra was taken to Gupta Clinic in Singun village where the clinic operator, identified as Nirmal Gupta, allegedly charged ₹600 and administered intravenous fluids without proper examination or necessary diagnostic tests. The IV bottle reportedly contained a mixture of multiple injections including Polybion, Acilar, and Dexona.

Soon after the infusion began, Jitendra’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He complained of restlessness and requested removal of the IV bottle, but the treatment allegedly continued. Within a short time, he was asked to sit outside the clinic and subsequently collapsed and died.

Allegations of Practicing Beyond Authorized System

The family alleged that the clinic operator was a government Ayurvedic compounder who had no authority to administer allopathic treatment. Police investigation reportedly led to the seizure of allopathic medicines from the clinic premises. A departmental inquiry by the District Ayush Officer also found prima facie negligence and unauthorized practice.

Although a criminal case had been registered earlier, the accused was acquitted in the criminal proceedings due to lack of sufficient evidence.

Consumer Forum Findings

Despite acquittal in the criminal court, the District Consumer Commission found sufficient evidence of deficiency in service. The bench, comprising President Vikas Rai and Member Dr Tripti Shastri, relied on sworn affidavits of witnesses, documentary records, and departmental inquiry reports to conclude that negligent and unauthorized medical treatment had been administered.

The Commission emphasized that acquittal in a criminal case does not automatically absolve liability in consumer proceedings, where the standard of proof differs. The absence of a postmortem report was not considered fatal to the case, as other evidence was found adequate to establish negligence and deficiency in service.

Compensation Awarded

The Commission ordered the compounder to pay ₹7 lakh as compensation to the family along with 6 percent annual interest, bringing the total payable amount to approximately ₹11 lakh.

In its observations, the Commission noted that the deceased was a promising young man pursuing a diploma in information technology, and his untimely death caused profound emotional and financial loss to the family.

Medico Legal Significance

This case serves as an important reminder of professional boundaries and legal accountability in medical practice. Administering treatment outside one’s authorized system of medicine not only violates regulatory norms but also exposes practitioners to civil liability under consumer protection laws.

The ruling reinforces that healthcare providers, including paramedical and AYUSH personnel, must strictly adhere to their permitted scope of practice. Unauthorized cross practice and negligent administration of injections or IV medications can have fatal consequences and attract substantial compensation claims.

The decision is being seen as a significant precedent in ensuring accountability and patient safety in rural and semi urban healthcare settings.

Source: Navbharat Times by Times of India