A Critical Analysis of Consumer Protection Act in Medical Field in India

Consumer rights in the medical field in India have gained significant attention over the years due to the growing awareness of patient protection and healthcare standards. With the rise in the number of private healthcare providers, and the increasing cost and complexity of medical treatments, the need to safeguard the rights of patients has become more pronounced. In India, patients are considered consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which entitles them to certain rights in their healthcare journey. These rights include the right to be informed, the right to choose, the right to safety, the right to be heard, and the right to seek redressal in case of grievances.The medical field, however, poses unique challenges to the application and enforcement of consumer rights. Unlike traditional consumer goods or services, healthcare is a complex, evolving, and often unpredictable service. The medical profession carries inherent risks, and outcomes are not always guaranteed, which complicates the identification and resolution of issues related to negligence, malpractice, or exploitation. Despite the existence of legal frameworks, issues such as medical negligence, unethical practices, lack of transparency, and high treatment costs continue to affect consumers.