AIIMS Rishikesh ordered to pay compensation for incorrect HIV diagnosis

The Uttarakhand State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission has directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, to pay Rs 60,000 to a man for incorrectly recording him as HIV-positive in his medical records.

The commission upheld a 2019 order from the Haridwar District Consumer Commission, dismissing an appeal by AIIMS Rishikesh. The total payment consists of Rs 50,000 for mental agony and harassment, and Rs 10,000 for litigation expenses.

The incident dates back to July 2014, when the patient was admitted to the institute. Although AIIMS argued it had not conducted an HIV test or officially declared the status, the commission noted that the institute’s own discharge summaries and treatment records repeatedly labeled the patient as HIV-positive without clinical evidence. Subsequent tests at other medical facilities confirmed the patient was HIV-negative. The commission emphasized that HIV is a sensitive condition requiring strict adherence to diagnostic protocols to avoid serious consequences.