Ayurvedic Compounder Administers Allopathic Injection, Young Man Dies; Family Awarded ₹11 Lakh Compensation

Khargone, Madhya Pradesh: In a tragic case dating back to 2014, a government Ayurvedic compounder administered an allopathic injection to a 27-year-old man, resulting in his death. The Khargone District Consumer Forum has now held the compounder responsible and ordered compensation of ₹7 lakh along with interest, bringing the total to approximately ₹11 lakh.

The verdict was delivered by the panel comprising Chairperson Vikas Rai and Member Dr. Tripti Shastri, marking a significant ruling on medical accountability.

Patient’s Condition Worsened Immediately

The complaint, filed by farmer Nihal Singh of Nadla village, stated that on December 3, 2014, his son Jitendra Singh was taken to Gupta Clinic in Singun village for severe pain in his arms and legs. The clinic operator, Nirmal Gupta, allegedly administered a mixture of Polybion, Acilar, and Dexona injections for ₹600 without conducting necessary tests. Immediately after the injection, Jitendra’s condition deteriorated. Despite the patient asking for the treatment to be stopped, Gupta reportedly insisted, “I am a doctor,” and continued the procedure. Shortly thereafter, Jitendra was seated outside the clinic, where he tragically passed away.

Allopathic Treatment by an Ayurvedic Practitioner

The family claimed that the practitioner, being a government Ayurvedic compounder, was administering treatment outside his scope of practice. Police investigations confirmed the presence of allopathic medicines, and a committee from the District AYUSH office found prima facie negligence. While a criminal case was filed, the court acquitted the compounder.

Consumer Forum Finds Negligence

The defense argued that the compounder did not operate a private clinic and cited the absence of a post-mortem report. However, the forum accepted witness affidavits, documentary evidence, and departmental reports, concluding that there was a deficiency in service. The panel highlighted that the deceased was a promising IT student, and his untimely death caused profound trauma to the family.

The decision sets a crucial precedent in holding medical professionals accountable, emphasizing that acquittal in criminal proceedings does not absolve responsibility in consumer protection cases.