Background: Job Opportunity Lost Due to False Diagnosis
Shivakumar Shettigar, aged 43 and a trained industrial nurse from Udupi, was about to join United Medical Response Company in Saudi Arabia in February 2025. His plans, though, were suddenly foiled when a pre-departure medical test at Mangaluru's National CT Scanner and Diagnostic Center wrongly declared him Hepatitis C positive—a status that renders a candidate ineligible under the medical standards of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Verification and Discrepancy Uncovered
Upset over the unforeseen outcome, Shettigar went for additional tests. He got follow-up tests done at a private laboratory in Manipal and the government district hospital in Udupi. Both proved that he didn't have Hepatitis C, finding the initial diagnosis to be wrong.
Legal Action for Negligence and Loss
Shettigar had lodged a complaint before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, accusing the diagnostic centre of negligence. He accused the centre of causing emotional trauma, loss of a well-paying job, and economic distress due to the mistaken diagnosis, citing the use of substandard testing kits as one of the main problems.
Commission's Verdict and Compensation Awarded
On 21 May 2025, the Commission decided in favor of Shettigar. It held the diagnostic centre negligent and directed it to pay ?13.49 lakh as compensation within 45 days. The figure represents an estimate of three years' lost wages (?82,584 per month), medical expenses, and mental anguish compensation. In case of delay, 6% p.a. interest shall be payable.
Conclusion
This case highlights the significance of proper medical diagnosis, particularly where it is connected to foreign employment opportunities. The judgment holds diagnostic centres responsible for delays that can make a huge difference in people's careers and health.