I want to highlight one aspect of the fall out of this tragedy. 23 people died for no fault of theirs. They were in apparently good health at the time of their death. Most likely the cause of accident was 'human error'. In this case a compensation of Rs 3,50,000 was awarded to the kin of the deceased. Some more compensation may be awarded by some other agencies. So, cost of life of a healthy human being in India is about 4 or 5 lacs.
Now compare this with the award given by the Courts against a doctor when a patient (who is NOT in perfect health at the time of his death) dies during treatment. The compensation to the tune of Rs.15 Crores to Rs. 20 Crores has already been awarded to the kin of the deceased. How does it happen that there is a quantum jump in the cost of life of a sick individual if he dies during medical treatment? Mind you, Medicine is not a perfect Science. Every day…
