Consumer Protection Act Pertaining to Medical Service: An Analytical Approach

Practice of medicine is as ancient as the existence of human race. In the earlier era Physician was treated as next to God. Gradually, his social status reduced from next to God to a friend, philosopher and guide and then to a respectable professional and today to a service provider to health consumers. Changes in the status of physician also affect the nature of punishment awarded to them if any wrong done by them. Nature of punishment changed from Crime to tort. Even though today also criminal law and traditional civil law applicable to the medical negligence cases, but most of the cases of medical negligence filed before Consumer Protection Act, which is more liberal law for patient as well doctor also. Consumer Protection has its deep roots in the rich soil of Indian civilisation, which dates back to 3200 B.C. In ancient India, human values were appreciated and ethical practices were considered of great importance. The rulers felt that the welfare of their subjects was the primary area of concern. They showed keen interest in regulating the social conditions and the economic life of the people, by establishing many trade restrictions to protect the interests of consumer.