INTRODUCTION :

The Medical Officers of Government Nagercoil Medical College Hospital administered Nitrous Oxide instead of medical oxygen to the wife of the petitioner, while she was admitted there for vasectomy, resulting in developing neurological complaints and her ultimate death in a coma condition. The deceased suffered physically and mentally for a period of 411 days in various hospitals including Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital and Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore, solely on account of medical negligence.

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

2. The petitioner is a resident of Semponkarai in the district of Kanyakumari. He is doing coconut business. The wife of the petitioner, by name Rukmani, was a tailor by profession. She was earning not less than Rs.400/- per day by engaging herself as a lady tailor. The petitioner is having two children aged about 19 years and 18 years as on today.

3. When it was found that the wife of the petitioner conceived once again, she was taken to the Government Nagercoil Medical College Hospital for vasectomy. She was admitted there on 18.03