5.4.1. SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RIGHT

Reji Mathew, a healthy boy studying in Class IX, was admitted in a private clinic in Kerala for removal of tonsils. An ENT surgeon performed the tonsillectomy operation under general anaesthesia. As a result of improper anaesthesia Reji showed symptoms of some brain abnormalities because of which he was crippled for life. His father filed a complaint in the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission claiming compensation of Rs 5,00,000 for medical negligence and deficiency in service. The State Commission, saying that the evidence was not sufficient, dismissed it. Reji’s father appealed again in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission located in New Delhi. The National Commission after looking into the complaint, held the hospital responsible for medical negligence and directed it to pay the compensation.

This chunk narrates the case of Reji Mathew, who suffered life-changing injuries due to negligence during a medical procedure. Initially, his case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence, but upon appeal, the higher commission ruled in his favor, leading to compensation for the negligence. This example illustrates the importance of consumer rights and the need for accountability from service providers, especially in healthcare, where negligence can have dire consequences.

Consider a scenario where a student goes to a school for a physical exam but suffers an injury because the equipment was not maintained properly. If the school refuses to take responsibility, the student can file a complaint to get justice, similar to what Reji's father did.

While using many goods and services, we as consumers, have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property. Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations. There are many goods and services that we purchase that require special attention to safety. For example, pressure cookers have a safety valve which, if it is defective, can cause a serious accident. The manufacturers of the safety valve have to ensure high quality. You also need public or government action to see that this quality is maintained. However, we do find bad quality products in the market because the supervision of these rules is weak and the consumer movement is also not strong enough.

This section emphasizes the rights of consumers to safety when using goods and services. It points out that producers must adhere to safety standards to protect consumers from hazardous products. The chunk uses the example of pressure cookers, which must have functional safety valves to prevent accidents. It further highlights the lack of effective supervision by authorities, leading to instances where substandard products are available in the market.

Imagine buying a toy for a child that has small parts that could be a choking hazard. Parents have the right to expect that toys are safe. If a toy harms a child because it did not meet safety standards, the manufacturer is responsible, just like in the consumer movement where accountability is vital.

There are many goods and services that we purchase that require special attention to safety. For example, pressure cookers have a safety valve which, if it is defective, can cause a serious accident. The manufacturers of the safety valve have to ensure high quality. You also need public or government action to see that this quality is maintained. However, we do find bad quality products in the market because the supervision of these rules is weak and the consumer movement is also not strong enough.

This part discusses the critical role of government regulations in maintaining product safety. It explains that safety features, like the safety valve in pressure cookers, must be reliable to prevent accidents. The consumers depend on government oversight to enforce these standards, but often the enforcement is lacking, allowing poor-quality products to reach the market.

Think of how fire alarms in homes must be regularly checked and maintained. If a fire alarm does not work when needed, it can have tragic consequences. Government regulations ensure that safety standards are met for everyone’s protection, underscoring why consumers must be vigilant.

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