Doctor Who Fought 8 Years for Children’s Lives Now Hit with Legal Notice
Hyderabad paediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, who advocated for clearer ORS labelling, receives legal notice from companies linked to Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson.
The commission found Ivy Hospital in Sector 71,Mohali along with three doctors guilty of medical negligence, deficiency in service and unfair trade practices.They have been ordered to pay ₹45 lakh in compensation to Gurpreet’s mother Kavita along with ₹40,000 towards litigation costs.
This heartbreaking case which unfolded in December 2021,serves as a stark reminder of how even minor lapses in medical protocol can turn a treatable illness like dengue into a fatal one.
The Tragic Timeline
Gurpreet Kaur a Class 12th student,firstly treatment on 19 December 2021 at the Government Multi Specialty Hospital (GMSH) Sector 16,Chandigarh.She presented with symptoms such as diarrhoea,cough and slurred speech. After receiving IV fluids and medication .she was discharged in stable condition with advice for follow up.
Her family later admitted her to Ivy Hospital in Mohali,where she was examined by an internal medicine specialist and two anaesthesiologists. What could have been a manageable dengue case quickly spiralled into a medical emergency.
Key Failures Identified
The commission highlighted several critical lapses in Gurpreet’s treatment:
•Delayed Dengue Diagnosis:Although testing was advised at 9:30 AM on 20 December, the sample was collected only at 2:44 PM leading to a crucial delay.
•Improper Central Line Procedure:Multiple unsuccessful attempts were made to insert a central line without proper consent.This resulted in significant bleeding.The line was incorrectly placed and remained undetected for nearly 32 hours causing severe complications.
•Inadequate Monitoring and Mismanagement:Platelet counts were not monitored properly,transfusions were delayed and signs of sepsis were overlooked.Treatment remained focused on dengue alone,while inappropriate IV fluid management reportedly worsened liver damage.
•Failure to Refer:Despite her condition deteriorating into Dengue Shock Syndrome,sepsis and multi organ dysfunction,hospital failed to refer her to a higher centre such as PGIMER.
•Lack of Transparency:Complete medical records were provided only after 16 days far exceeding the mandated 72 hour period.
Gurpreet tragically passed away on 22 December 2021 due to these complications.
The Commission’s Ruling
The State Commission led by Presiding Member Padma Pandey and Member Rajesh K. Arya overturned the earlier dismissal of the complaint by the District Commission.
Notably the defence presented by the hospital and doctors was struck off due to their failure to submit a written statement on time. As a result, complainant’s evidence remained unrebutted.
Key findings included:
•Government Multi Specialty Hospital (GMSH) Sector 16, Chandigarh was cleared of negligence as it had followed standard medical protocols.
•Ivy Hospital and the three doctors Dr. Gurpreet Singh Babra (internal medicine),Dr. Chetan Goel and Dr. Rajiv Dhunna (anaesthesiologists)were held jointly liable.
Compensation Breakdowns
•Ivy Hospital: ₹10 lakh
•Dr. Gurpreet Singh Babra: ₹10 lakh
•Dr. Chetan Goel & Dr. Rajiv Dhunna : ₹25 lakh (₹12.5 lakh each)
The commission observed that while no monetary compensation can truly make up for the loss of a child, the award aims to address both financial loss and the profound emotional trauma suffered by the family.
A Case That Must Lead to Change
The loss of Gurpreet Kaur is deeply tragic and irreparable. However her mother’s fight for justice has set an important benchmark.
This case is a powerful reminder that patient safety must always come first. Healthcare institutions must prioritise accountability,transparency and adherence to medical protocols because even one preventable death is one too many.
