A city dentist will have to pay Rs. one Lakh as compensation to a patient, following a district consumer forum orders. The dentist prompted medical complications for the patient by operating him, without taking into account his blood sugar levels.

The patient had lodged a complaint of the dentist stating that the doctor didn't check his blood sugar level prior to the surgery; as a result the operated area developed pus, which has led to a severe infection in his throat that can be mended only by operation that would cost Rs. 70,000.

However, Dr. Vaneet Kakar emphasized that he performed the operation only after his patient Fateh Singh confirmed him that his sugar level was normal.

Still North District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum asserted that they found Dr. Kakar to be negligent as if after being informed that the patient is diabetic, he believed in his words and did not check his sugar levels.

The forum pointed out that once the patient informed the doctor of his condition, he should have asked him to go for a blood sugar test before carrying out the root canal treatment.

"Contributory negligence on the part of patient is no defense though it is a circumstance which can be taken into account in determining the quantum of compensation", the forum said.