Jyoti Bezbarua Goswami, a senior citizen from Guwahati, has finally won a landmark medical negligence case against Delhi's Batra Hospital after a gruelling 19-year-long legal battle.

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has ruled in her favour, awarding her a compensation of Rs 10 lakhs along with interest at the rate of 7% from the date of institution of the complaint.

Initially filed by the patient Dilip Kumar Goswami against the hospital and cardiologist Dr Upendra Kaul in Delhi State Consumer Forum in 2004, the case gained widespread attention due to its long-drawn legal proceedings and the hospital's failure to take responsibility for its actions.

Despite the State forum ruling in Goswami's favour in 2018, Batra Hospital continued to appeal the judgment in a higher court, prolonging the legal battle for years. The patient passed away in 2015 without receiving justice.

But in a significant victory for the patient's family, the NCDRC has finally held Batra Hospital accountable for its deficiency in service and unfair practices. The hospital has admitted to suppressing the ECG traces report and not taking proper informed consent, which clearly violates the patient's rights.

Jyoti Bezbarua Goswami, the deceased's wife, continued her relentless fight, enduring years of legal procedures and emotional trauma.

Finally, the court's decision provides her with closure and compensation for her husband's suffering. It highlights the urgent need for efficient and timely justice delivery in medical negligence cases.

The case also underscores the importance of hospitals taking necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring proper informed consent and transparent reporting of medical records.

This landmark ruling by the NCDRC is a wake-up call for hospitals and medical practitioners to prioritize patient welfare and adhere to the highest standards of medical ethics and professionalism.

The case will likely have far-reaching implications for the healthcare industry in India. It may lead to greater accountability and transparency in medical practice.

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