Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Jun 24: In a major relief to a senior nurse from Udupi, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered a Mangaluru-based diagnostic centre to pay Rs 13.49 lac as compensation after a wrong medical report cost him a lucrative job opportunity in Saudi Arabia.
The complainant, 43-year-old Shivakumar Shettigar, was selected for the post of industrial nurse at United Medical Response Company, Saudi Arabia, and was scheduled to travel in February 2024. As part of the mandatory Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) medical clearance, he underwent a test at the National CT Scanner and Diagnostic Centre in Mangaluru, a GCC-notified lab, on January 17.
The test falsely indicated that Shettigar was positive for Hepatitis C, leading to the cancellation of his overseas employment opportunity.
Shocked by the result, Shettigar got himself tested again at a private lab in Manipal the next day, which showed negative results. Within a week, he also underwent further testing at the District Government Hospital in Udupi, which once again confirmed he was not infected.
Shettigar alleged that the Mangaluru diagnostic centre had used a faulty testing kit and that their equipment was not well-maintained, leading to a false diagnosis that derailed his career prospects.
He filed a complaint with the Udupi district Consumer Commission, accusing the centre of gross negligence. The Commission, after reviewing all the evidence, ruled in his favour, holding the diagnostic lab accountable for professional negligence that resulted in financial loss and mental trauma.
The Commission has directed the diagnostic centre to pay Rs 13.49 lac compensation to Shettigar within 45 days. The amount covers the loss of income, mental anguish, and other damages suffered by the nurse.
Speaking to TNIE, Shettigar said, “This was a life-changing opportunity, and I was shattered when it was taken away due to someone else's carelessness. I’m relieved that the court has acknowledged the injustice done to me.”
The case has highlighted the need for stricter oversight and quality control at diagnostic centres, especially those involved in medical clearances for international employment.