The Permanent Lok Adalat in Jaipur has ordered ₹23,36,774 in compensation to Lakshmi Sharma, a resident of Bharatpur, who was allegedly subjected to multiple rounds of chemotherapy for suspected cancer — only for later tests to confirm she was suffering from tuberculosis (TB). The ruling, delivered on 24 August, marks a significant finding of medical negligence against a Jaipur cancer hospital.

How the Misdiagnosis Unfolded

Lakshmi Sharma of Pushp Vatika Colony, Bharatpur, first visited Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital in Jaipur in October 2022 with abdominal pain and related health complaints. She was directed to undergo diagnostic tests at a separate centre. According to the Lok Adalat's findings, when those reports raised suspicion of cancer, treatment was reportedly initiated without a confirmatory diagnostic test being conducted.

Lakshmi subsequently underwent repeated chemotherapy cycles, yet her condition showed no improvement. Her family grew alarmed and, in January 2023, took her to Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, where physicians determined she had tuberculosis — not cancer. The diagnosis was independently confirmed at Shri Braj Seva Samiti Tuberculosis Hospital in Vrindavan. Once placed on standard TB treatment, her health reportedly improved.

What the Lok Adalat Found

The order was passed by Presiding Officer Gambhir Singh, along with members Yogesh Kumar Sharma and Rajnikant Sharma. The bench observed that the incorrect diagnosis had subjected Lakshmi to unnecessary and severe treatment, resulting in significant physical suffering, mental anguish, and financial hardship.

Advocate Rajesh Pachauri, who represented Lakshmi, said she had originally sought ₹95 lakh in total compensation — comprising ₹15 lakh for medical expenses, ₹80 lakh for mental, physical, and financial losses, and ₹21,000 towards litigation costs.

Compensation Awarded and What Was Rejected

The hospital and the treating doctors denied negligence, contending that only ₹29,750 had been paid to the hospital. The Lok Adalat, however, awarded a total of ₹23,36,774 — broken down as ₹20 lakh for mental anguish, physical suffering, and financial loss, and ₹3,36,774 towards medical expenses backed by documentary evidence.

The larger medical-expense claim was rejected on account of insufficient documentary proof. The gap between the ₹95 lakh sought and the ₹23.36 lakh awarded reflects the tribunal's insistence on evidence-based quantification of harm.

Broader Significance

This case highlights a recurring concern in oncology care: the risk of initiating aggressive treatment before a definitive histopathological or microbiological diagnosis is established. TB and certain cancers can present with overlapping symptoms, making confirmatory testing critical before commencing chemotherapy. Notably, this is not an isolated instance — medical bodies have previously flagged misdiagnosis between TB and malignancy as a patient-safety gap in India's healthcare system.

The ruling is expected to bring Lakshmi Sharma a measure of relief after nearly two years of unnecessary treatment and distress. Whether the hospital will challenge the order in a higher forum remains to be seen.