Bengaluru second among seven metropolitan cities in medical negligence cases

Bengaluru is placed second among the only seven metropolitan cities which have recorded deaths due to medical negligence.

Three cases of medical negligence were reported from Bengaluru in 2023 and two cases were reported from other districts in the state. 

Though only a few cases have been reported, citizens said the cases were under-reported and many cases at private facilities were brushed off without reporting.

"At private facilities, there is a system in place and staff to specially look into such complaints. Even if there is a medical negligence case, it is settled without being reported. They also have a strong legal team to ensure that such cases are tackled," a medical practitioner working with multiple private hospitals said.

He said most of the cases reported were from government facilities. Citizens, however, said there were many more cases going unreported even in government facilities.

"Many of them die outside the hospitals after they are denied treatment. They are sent off without any medication. A majority of the cases don't get reported since people who visit these facilities are unaware of the legal options available to fight such negligence," a healthcare professional said.