Awareness Regarding Consumer Protection Act among Medical Students

Abstract

Background: Consumer Protection Act (CPA) is a quasijudicial mechanism working at  district, state, and national levels. Consumers can file their complaints in consumer forums which are  empowered to award compensation. Materials and Methodology: A total of 137 medical students  were exposed to pre-tested and pre-validated Likert scale type questionnaire (1 to 7, 1 – Not at all  true, 7 – Very true) regarding awareness of Consumer Protection Act. Data obtained was analyzed  via median score and tabulated. Results: Most of the students had heard about Consumer Protection  Act and felt that Consumer Protection Act is against the doctor and in favor of patients. Many students  agreed that good doctor patient relationship can prevent issues in Consumer Protection Act. Most of  the students wanted that Consumer Protection Act must be taught to every medical graduate.  Students were not much aware of structure of courts, monetary limits for appeal at district, state and  national level as well as time limit for filing complaint as per Consumer Protection Act. Many students  were aware regarding medical indemnity insurance. Most of the students were not aware that patient  can lodge a complaint without lawyer in Consumer Protection Act. Conclusion: Basic awareness  regarding Consumer Protection Act is present among medical students but actual awareness of court  structure, fine limits and time limits of complaint are very poor among them.