Dar es Salaam. The High Court has ordered the Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI), to pay Sh100 million in compensation to a patient it operated on the head instead of the knee.
The court ruled that Mr Emmanuel Didas deserved the compensation owing to permanent injury suffered and which has changed his livelihood.
Judge Zainabu Muruke observed in her ruling that Didas was subjected to physical and psychological trauma due to the botched operation nearly 10 years ago.
Didas who is confined to a wheelchair lost memory as well as any ability to fend for himself. He sued the government in 2009 for the matter. The other patient who was due for a head operation later died.
The court awarded him Sh88.3 million in general compensation the remainder in special compensation for loss of livelihood.
Didas was a bicycle repairer at the time of seeking medical attention for a swollen knee.
The judgement was issued last week in Dar es Salaam. MOI has indicated that it will appeal the ruling. Advocate Cornelius Kariwa represented Mr Didas.
MOI spokesperson, Mr Almas Jumaa, declined to comment, saying the issue was dealt by the ministry of health.
