It has been a 23-year-long wait for justice for twins Simple and Dimple, who lost eyesight soon after birth due to negligence of doctors at Choithram Hospital. The MP high court’s Indore bench on Thursday ordered the hospital to pay Rs 43 lakh as compensation to the siblings.
The division bench of justices PK Jaiswal and DK Paliwal directed the hospital to pay the sum with 6% interest within three months, or else face an interest of 15% on the sum.
In 2005, a court passed an order in favour of the girls and directed the hospital to pay `11 lakh each to the siblings. But the hospital had contested the decision before the high court.
The sisters were born prematurely and contracted retinopathy of prematurity (an abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of the eye) allegedly due to negligence in administration of oxygen at the time of birth.
In premature infants, the retinal nerves are more sensitive and excessive oxygen supply may damage them permanently, and create more complications.
Due to premature birth and administration of excess oxygen, the duo lost eyesight permanently. Simple became disabled due to cerebral palsy, while Dimple is partially disabled on the right side of the body.
{{/usCountry}}Due to premature birth and administration of excess oxygen, the duo lost eyesight permanently. Simple became disabled due to cerebral palsy, while Dimple is partially disabled on the right side of the body.
{{/usCountry}}“Simple was bed-ridden since birth…even after 23 years she is like a kid. Excessive oxygen supply at the time of birth left a lifelong impact on their health,” Sanjay Agarwal told Hindustan Times about his daughters.
Despite the disability, Dimple completed graduation in humanities from the government arts and commerce college. “She has now joined computer classes,” her |father said.
“All her teachers were extremely helpful. They provided her with audio CDs and writers to appear for exams.”
A highly-placed official in the hospital refused to make any comment on the matter as the administration is yet to receive a copy of the court order.
Stay updated MP Election Result and with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Bengaluru. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and more across India . Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.
Stay updated MP Election Result and with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Bengaluru. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and more across India . Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.