Consumer Protection Act, (CPA/COPRA) – 1986

Consumer protection act

• For the first time in India, the Consumer Protection Act 1986 provided consumers with a forum for speedy redressal of their grievances against medical services.
• According to this act, the decision should be taken within 3-6 months.
• There is no court fee payment and the person can plead his own case.
• Recently even ESI hospitals have been brought within the ambit of this act.
• COPRA is a piece of comprehensive legislation and recognizes six rights of consumer:-

1.  Right to safety
2. Right to be informed
3. Right to choose
4. Right to be heard
5. Right to seek redressal
6. Right to consumer education

• For medical negligence, a complaint can be given to MCI or can be filed in consumer court.
• MCI can take disciplinary action, e.g. temporary or permanent cancellation of registration of concerned doctor. But, MCI cannot punish a doctor or give a compensation.
• Consumer courts give compensation. The limits of consumer courts are:-

1. District consumer court → Up to Rs. 20 Lacs.
2. State commission → Rs. 20 lacs to Rs. 1 crore.
3. National commission → Above Rs. 1 crore.

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