A consumer court in Karachi has directed Aga Khan University Hospital to pay Rs1.68 million in compensation to a patient after ruling that the hospital issued an incorrect laboratory test report, causing severe mental distress and reputational harm.
The verdict was delivered by the Consumer Protection Court Karachi South, which held the hospital responsible for medical negligence and deficient service. The court observed that the erroneous report had serious consequences for the complainant’s personal and social life.
According to the judgment, the patient was incorrectly declared hepatitis C reactive in a laboratory test conducted at the hospital. The diagnosis triggered intense psychological stress, fear, and social stigma, prompting the patient to seek further medical verification.
Subsequently, the complainant had the same test conducted at Dow Lab, where the hepatitis C result was confirmed as non-reactive, directly contradicting the earlier report.
During court proceedings, the hospital admitted that a mix-up had occurred in handling laboratory samples and acknowledged that the complainant was mistakenly issued another patient’s test report. The court noted that such an error reflected serious lapses in laboratory protocols.
Barrister Arsalan Raja, counsel for the complainant, argued that the incorrect and alarming diagnosis had deeply affected his client’s mental well-being and disrupted his daily life, adding that such negligence was unacceptable from a reputed medical institution.
The court also relied on findings from the Sindh Healthcare Commission, which confirmed violations of standard laboratory procedures by the hospital. It further noted that the hospital failed to present any qualified laboratory staff as witnesses to defend its position.
In its ruling, the court declared that issuing a false and frightening medical report constituted gross negligence. It emphasized that the decision would serve as a precedent to reinforce consumer rights and compel healthcare institutions to strictly adhere to professional standards and due care.
