Hyderabad: Sanjeevani Wellness Institute asked to pay ₹50K to patient for botched kidney treatment

Hyderabad: Ranga Reddy District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Sanjeevani Wellness Institute of Naturopathy and Yoga Hospital to pay nearly Rs 50,000 to a woman patient who allegedly suffered due to improper naturopathy treatment for a kidney ailment.

The Commission ordered the hospital to refund Rs 35,000 with 9% interest, pay Rs 10,000 as compensation for mental agony, and Rs 5,000 as legal expenses, to be paid within 45 days.

Patient suffered severe side effects after treatment

The complainant, M. Vasantha, a resident of Secunderabad, approached the hospital in 2022 for treatment of a kidney-related illness.

She was admitted as an inpatient for 10 days and paid a total of Rs 41,000 towards treatment charges. However, within two days of beginning the treatment, she developed severe complications following medical instructions.

Castor oil intake triggered complications

As part of the treatment, doctors advised her to consume castor oil on an empty stomach. Soon after taking it, she began to suffer from continuous vomiting and diarrhea. Her condition worsened rapidly, forcing the hospital to discharge her within two days instead of continuing the planned treatment.

Refund sought through legal notice

Following the incident, Vasantha issued a legal notice to the hospital demanding a refund of the amount paid, citing physical suffering and medical negligence. When the hospital failed to respond, she approached the Consumer Commission in 2023 to seek justice.

Hospital’s ‘Protocol’ claim rejected

During the hearing, the hospital management claimed that they had provided treatment strictly in accordance with standard naturopathy protocols. However, after examining the facts, the Commission rejected the hospital’s defense.

Commission orders partial refund and compensation

The Commission ruled that the hospital could deduct only Rs 6,000 for the two days of treatment provided and directed it to refund the remaining amount. In addition, it awarded compensation and legal costs, bringing the total payable amount to nearly Rs 50,000.

Message on Patient Rights and Medical Accountability

The verdict pronounced by the Commission sends a clear message to wellness centres and alternative medicine hospitals that patient safety cannot be compromised and that institutions will be held accountable for negligence, improper treatment, and failure to address patient grievances.