ORDER

M. Shama Bhat, Member - Complainant No. 1 is the husband, complainant No. 2 is the son of the now deceased Nagasundaramma who was suffering from left knee problem and was admitted to OP1 hospital on 12.10.1998 and was operated upon on 21.10.1998. The complainants contend that on account of poor hygienic condition and poor post-operative care Nagasundaramma developed breathing problem and ultimately expired on 10.11.1998. The complainants further contend that the death is as a result of negligence on the part of hospital staff and the doctors who were attending on the patient. On account of her death, the complainants have been subjected to great mental stress and agony. The complainants contend that they have spent more than Rs. 3,34,856 for the treatment. They also contend that OPs 1 to 3 have failed to supply the medical records on the request of the complainants and they have thereby prayed for a total compensation of Rs. 16,25,000 under various heads.

2. OPs 1 to 3 have filed common version denying the deficiency of service alleged against them. They have contended that Nagasundaramma was aged about 75 years when she visited OP 1 hospital as out-patient on 4.6.1997; she was