Consumer grievance reporting in G.M.C. Hospital, Miraj

A cross-sectional study conducted among 400 'consumers' at G.M.C. Hospital, Miraj revealed 91% consumers had one/more grievance/s. Higher grievances reported in illiterates, lower social class, indoor patients, surgical patients. Lower grievances reported in age < 15 yrs and 31-45 yrs, rural dwellers. Sex and new / old status of patients not affected grievance- reporting. 10 grievances out of 38 were found to be of serious nature. Some grievances (e.g. post-operative complications, discharge without clinical relief, absence of counselling, cursory clinical examination etc.) might have potential as possible medical negligence.