In a linguistically diverse country like India, informed consent often fails not due to clinical oversight, but because patients do not fully understand what is explained to them. Recent medico-legal cases reported in consumer forums have highlighted situations where consent was obtained in English or a non-native language, raising questions about whether the patient truly comprehended the nature, risks, and alternatives of the procedure. Courts have consistently held that consent is valid only when information is conveyed in a manner the patient can reasonably understand.
If language barriers prevent comprehension, liability may arise even when a signed consent form exists. The burden rests on the treating doctor and institution to ensure that explanations are given in the patient’s preferred language, using interpreters, translated consent forms, or audio-visual aids where…
