The Kerala High Court patient diagnostic test doctor discretion ruling has clarified that patients cannot legally demand specific diagnostic tests from treating doctors. The court held that doctors must decide whether tests such as CT scans or MRI scans are necessary.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas delivered the ruling while hearing a petition filed by a retired Indian Air Force personnel.
The petitioner, Arun P.K., approached the High Court in Arun P.K. v. State of Kerala & Ors. He sought directions for a medical examination and advanced diagnostic scans.
Petitioner Alleged Hospital Failed to Conduct Proper Examination
The petitioner visited the General Hospital, Ernakulam, on June 4, 2026.
He complained of persistent head pain and unusual sensations.
According to him, the attending doctors did not conduct a proper physical examination.
He also alleged that hospital authorities refused to order CT and MRI scans.
The petitioner claimed that the hospital did not provide a proper explanation for refusing the scans.
He therefore approached the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.
He sought a writ of mandamus against the State health authorities.
The petitioner wanted a comprehensive examination by medical specialists.
He also sought directions for immediate diagnostic imaging.
State Opposed Patient’s Demand for Scans
The State Government opposed the petition.
Government counsel argued that the petitioner had not produced sufficient evidence to support his allegations.
Apart from an outpatient ticket, he did not provide documents showing that he had consulted a medical officer.
The State also argued that doctors do not prescribe advanced diagnostic scans automatically.
Instead, doctors first conduct a clinical assessment.
They then form a provisional diagnosis.
Based on that assessment, doctors decide whether further investigations are necessary.
Court Upholds Doctor’s Clinical Judgment
The High Court agreed with the State’s position.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas held that the need for a specific diagnostic test depends on medical expertise.
A patient cannot dictate whether a doctor must prescribe a CT scan or an MRI scan.
The court also noted that the petitioner failed to identify the doctor who allegedly refused to provide treatment.
He therefore failed to establish a specific deficiency in medical service.
The court held that patients must follow professional medical advice.
Doctors, however, must independently assess the patient’s condition and determine the appropriate course of investigation.
Specific Medical Tests Cannot Be Demanded
The court emphasised the importance of clinical evaluation before ordering diagnostic procedures.
Allowing patients to command specific medical tests could bypass established diagnostic protocols.
It could also interfere with professional medical judgment.
The Kerala High Court patient diagnostic test doctor discretion ruling therefore places the decision to prescribe diagnostic investigations within the doctor’s clinical expertise.
The court did not find grounds to issue extraordinary directions against the hospital.
Petitioner Free to Seek Medical Evaluation
The State informed the court that doctors at the General Hospital, Ernakulam, remained ready to examine and treat the petitioner.
The High Court therefore granted the petitioner liberty to approach the hospital.
He may also seek an evaluation at another appropriate medical facility.
The court disposed of the writ petition without issuing directions for specific CT or MRI scans.
The ruling reinforces the principle that doctors must decide the need for diagnostic investigations based on professional assessment, rather than patient demands.
