Sri Sai Clinic at Srinagar Colony asked to pay Rs 45k for botched up dental treatment

Hyderabad: Consumer dispute redressal commission has asked Sri Sai Tooth Basics Cosmetic & Surgical Dental Clinic at Srinagar Colony to Rs 45,000 to an octogenarian patient for botched-up dental treatment.

Complainant, Raja Rao (81) a resident of Srinagar Colony, had approached Sri Sai Tooth Basics Cosmetic & Surgical Dental Clinic for treatment as he was suffering from toothache.

The doctor advised him to fix crowns, root canal, gum cutting, and other related treatment for a consideration of Rs. 50,000. He underwent the required treatment. However, the problem surfaced again after four days. He again consulted the doctor who did the procedure for the second time, which too failed.

When he visited the clinic, he was informed that he could talk to the doctor only over the phone. But the doctor did not take his calls. He alleged that his problem was left unattended.

Dental Clinic submitted a letter to the Commission but it was too late. It did not have the signature and stamp of the registrar's office. The signature and stamp are a kind of acknowledgment of receipt.

"No affidavit has been filed. In the absence of an affidavit, anything pleaded unsupported by any evidence can't be taken as evidence. As such the letter does not have any value in the eyes of the law," observed the commission.

The commission also observed that despite repeated notices, choosing to remain absent and failing to rebut the evidence adduced by the complainant add to negligence on the part of the clinic. For the improper treatment, resulting in pain and financial loss, the clinic is held liable.

The commission directed the clinic to return Rs.50,000 and pay Rs. 25,000 as compensation for the mental agony suffered by the complainant. It also asked the clinic to pay Rs. 20, 000 punitive damages for causing pain and other losses. Besides Rs.10,000 should be paid as the cost of the litigation.