West Bengal Health Commission Imposes Heavy Penalties on Hospitals for Gross Negligence
The West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission (WBCERC) has taken stringent action against two private hospitals in Kolkata, ordering them to pay a total compensation of ₹30 lakh to families of deceased patients. The commission found egregious lapses in medical care and ethical violations that directly contributed to patient deaths.
Narayan Memorial Hospital Ordered to Pay ₹20 Lakh for Delayed Surgery
In a shocking case of medical negligence, the WBCERC panel discovered that Narayan Memorial Hospital in Behala admitted a 53-year-old male patient with epigastric pain and vomiting history under a medicine doctor, despite requiring immediate surgical intervention. The hospital failed to appoint a surgeon for four critical days, only referring the patient to the surgical team after this dangerous delay. The surgery was performed two days later, but the patient succumbed despite the belated intervention.
"Our medical experts concluded that the death could have been prevented if surgical intervention had not been delayed. We found total hospital negligence in this case," stated WBCERC chairman Justice (Retd) Ashim Kumar Banerjee. The commission consequently ordered the hospital to pay ₹20 lakh compensation to the victim's family.
Same Hospital Found Negligent in Second Case, Ordered Additional ₹10 Lakh
The commission uncovered another serious lapse at Narayan Memorial Hospital involving a 60-year-old female patient admitted with abdominal pain. Disturbingly, the patient was treated by a 'gastroenterology' consultant who possessed only an MBBS degree, not the specialized qualifications required for such complex care. This doctor performed an ERCP procedure, after which the patient developed severe complications.
"When this patient's condition became critical, the hospital forcibly pressured the family to transfer her to another facility, where she died two days later," revealed Banerjee. Medical experts determined that an MRCP procedure instead of ERCP might have saved the patient's life. The commission ordered an additional ₹10 lakh compensation in this case.
Manipal Hospitals Mukundapur Directed to Refund ₹6 Lakh Bill
In a separate but equally troubling case, the WBCERC directed Manipal Hospitals in Mukundapur to refund the entire ₹6 lakh bill charged to the family of a 67-year-old woman who died during treatment in October 2025. The patient was admitted for an enlarged gallbladder and underwent surgery, but died two days later from complications including septic shock, metabolic acidosis, recurrent hypoglycemia, and hypotension.
The family faced additional trauma when the hospital refused to release the body for 12 hours until the full bill was paid. Furthermore, the commission discovered discrepancies in medical documentation – while operating theater notes mentioned biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma, the hospital failed to provide the biopsy report. When obtained independently, the report showed no evidence of adenocarcinoma.
"We directed the hospital to refund the entire amount charged to the family and advised them to approach the state medical council for further action," said Banerjee, highlighting the commission's commitment to patient rights and medical accountability.
Commission Strengthens Patient Protection Measures
These rulings demonstrate the WBCERC's increasing vigilance in regulating clinical establishments across West Bengal. The commission has been actively addressing complaints about:
- Delayed or inappropriate medical interventions
- Unqualified practitioners handling specialized cases
- Ethical violations including body retention over unpaid bills
- Discrepancies in medical documentation and reporting
The substantial penalties imposed send a clear message to healthcare providers about the serious consequences of medical negligence and ethical breaches. The commission continues to urge patients and families to report malpractice through proper channels to ensure accountability in the healthcare system.
