Kendrapada: The district consumer disputes redressal commission in Kendrapada has directed a private dentist to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation to a woman patient after finding him guilty of medical negligence and deficiency in service in a prolonged dental treatment case.The commission, comprising its president Susmita Mishra and member Bibekananda Das, passed the order on Wednesday. The dentist has been asked to pay the amount within 45 days. If he fails the deadline, the amount will carry interest at the rate of 6% per annum from the date of the order until realization.The dentist was held liable under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concluding that the complainant suffered due to deficient medical service.The complaint was filed by 55-year-old Kumari Nalini Mohanty of Maradarpur village against the proprietor of a private dental clinic in Kendrapada last year on March 17.According to the complaint, Mohanty had approached the dentist in Feb 2018 for treating a persistent tooth ache. He allegedly advised replacement of dental bridges and assured that the treatment would be completed within five sittings over two months at a cost of Rs 19,000.However, the complainant alleged that instead of providing relief, the treatment led to repeated complications. She claimed she was forced to visit the clinic 14 times over four months as an improperly fitted dental bridge caused severe pain, difficulty in chewing and repeated corrective procedures. She further alleged that one of her healthy teeth was unnecessarily ground down to adjust the bridge and that its subsequent removal caused extensive injuries inside her mouth.The woman stated that the complications left her unable to chew food properly for a prolonged period, resulting in significant weight loss. She later underwent treatment at SCB Dental College and Hospital and consulted other specialists. She also alleged that the dentist demanded an additional Rs 20,000 for further treatment despite the unsuccessful procedure.Mohanty had earlier lodged a complaint with the Odisha State Dental Council in 2019 alleging professional misconduct and medical negligence. She also sought information under the Right to Information Act regarding action taken on her complaint and later approached the State Information Commission after allegedly receiving no response from the dental council.After examining the records and hearing both parties, the consumer commission found merit in the woman’s allegations. Accordingly, it directed the dentist to pay Rs 1 lakh to the complainant for mental agony, harassment, financial loss and litigation expenses.
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