Ahmedabad, Oct. 1 -- The Gujarat State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission has clarified that patients are considered consumers under the law, even if they receive free treatment from a hospital.

This ruling allows patients or their families to seek compensation for medical negligence regardless of whether the hospital charges for services.

The decision came in a case dating back to 2013. Bharatkumar Gorahva was admitted to Akshar Hospital in Botad for kidney stone treatment. After surgery, he was given an antiseptic injection, which allegedly worsened his condition and led to his death.

His family approached the Bhavnagar District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, seeking compensation for medical negligence.

The district forum had ...