{"id":6020,"date":"2025-07-10T10:46:43","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T10:46:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=6020"},"modified":"2025-07-10T10:49:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T10:49:41","slug":"patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/","title":{"rendered":"Patient-tailored personal treatment services against consideration is a Contract For Personal Services"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Judicial interpretation of the vague language of <strong>Section 2(1)(o) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986<\/strong> in the <em>V. P. Shantha<\/em> case led to the inclusion of Health Care and Medical Services as part of the services named in the inclusory portion of the section, thereby bringing them under the ambit of the CPA.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Relevant_Legal_Provisions\" >Relevant Legal Provisions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Discussion_with_Inputs_from_AI\" >Discussion with Inputs from AI<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#What_is_Personal_Service\" >What is Personal Service?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Does_it_require_an_employee-employer_contract\" >Does it require an employee-employer contract?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Key_characteristics_of_personal_service_contracts\" >Key characteristics of personal service contracts:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#In_contrast_to_a_%E2%80%9Ccontract_for_service%E2%80%9D\" >In contrast to a &#8220;contract for service&#8221;:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#In_conclusion\" >In conclusion:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#What_have_to_be_the_specific_attributes_of_a_medical_service_for_it_to_be_personal_service\" >What have to be the specific attributes of a medical service for it to be personal service?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Heres_a_breakdown_of_specific_attributes\" >Here&#8217;s a breakdown of specific attributes:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Patient-Centered_Approach\" >Patient-Centered Approach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Empathy_and_Compassion\" >Empathy and Compassion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Effective_Communication\" >Effective Communication<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Building_Trust_and_Rapport\" >Building Trust and Rapport<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Cultural_Sensitivity\" >Cultural Sensitivity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Continuity_of_Care\" >Continuity of Care<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Is_a_surgical_procedure_tailored_to_the_particular_medical_needs_and_desire_of_the_patient_by_her_chosen_surgeon_a_personal_service\" >Is a surgical procedure tailored to the particular medical needs and desire of the patient by her chosen surgeon, a personal service?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Heres_why\" >Here&#8217;s why:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#An_informed_consent_for_medical_procedure_is_treated_as_a_contract_%E2%80%94_is_it_not_a_personal_service_contract\" >An informed consent for medical procedure is treated as a contract \u2014 is it not a personal service contract?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Heres_why-2\" >Here&#8217;s why:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#While_you_have_agreed_that_a_surgical_procedure_tailored_to_the_individual_patients_specific_needs_is_a_personal_service_is_it_not_a_contract_for_personal_service\" >While you have agreed that a surgical procedure tailored to the individual patient\u2019s specific needs is a personal service, is it not a contract for personal service?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Heres_a_more_detailed_explanation\" >Here&#8217;s a more detailed explanation:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Personal_Service\" >Personal Service:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Contractual_Agreement\" >Contractual Agreement:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Consideration\" >Consideration:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Specific_Needs\" >Specific Needs:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#AI\" >AI:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Explanation\" >Explanation:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Personal_Service_Focus\" >Personal Service Focus:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Consideration-2\" >Consideration:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Distinction_from_%E2%80%9CContract_for_Service%E2%80%9D\" >Distinction from &#8220;Contract for Service&#8221;:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Examples_of_Personal_Service\" >Examples of Personal Service:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/patient-tailored-personal-treatment-services-against-consideration-is-a-contract-for-personal-services\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>The exclusory portion was not interpreted to apply to medical services, as it was deemed to be not a \u2018contract of personal service\u2019 but a \u2018contract for personal service\u2019. The reasoned discussion below demonstrates that this interpretation was flawed when considering the intricate details of the practice of modern medicine.<\/p>\n<p>Despite several amendments to the section over the years, including those introduced in the <strong>Consumer Protection Bills of 2018 and 2019<\/strong>, the interpretation still holds under the <strong>Consumer Protection Act, 2019<\/strong>, on the grounds that the basic language of <strong>Section 2(42)<\/strong> remains unchanged.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relevant_Legal_Provisions\"><\/span>Relevant Legal Provisions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Section 2(1)(o) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986:<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cService\u201d means service of any description which is made available to potential users and includes, but not limited to, the provision of facilities in connection with banking, financing, insurance, transport, processing, supply of electrical or other energy, board or lodging or both, housing construction, entertainment, amusement or the purveying of news or other information, but does not include the rendering of any service free of charge or under a contract of personal service;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Section 2(42) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019:<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cService\u201d means service of any description which is made available to potential users and includes, but not limited to, the provision of facilities in connection with banking, financing, insurance, transport, processing, supply of electrical or other energy, telecom, boarding or lodging or both, housing construction, entertainment, amusement or the purveying of news or other information, but does not include the rendering of any service free of charge or under a contract of personal service;<br \/>\n<em>*telecom was added by subsequent amendments.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> Health Care was included in the Section of the <strong>2018 Consumer Protection Bill<\/strong> and was excluded by amendment in the <strong>2019 Bill<\/strong> after parliamentary debate.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Discussion_with_Inputs_from_AI\"><\/span>Discussion with Inputs from AI<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>What is personal service? Does it require an employee-employer contract to qualify?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>AI:<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Personal service refers to a contract where one party agrees to perform services that rely heavily on their unique skills, expertise, or personal qualities. It doesn&#8217;t necessarily require a formal employer-employee relationship, but it often involves a close, direct relationship between the parties involved.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Personal_Service\"><\/span>What is Personal Service?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>A personal service contract is an agreement where the quality and execution of the work are intrinsically tied to the individual or entity providing the service.<\/li>\n<li>It emphasizes the individual&#8217;s unique skills, talents, or expertise, rather than simply the completion of a task.<\/li>\n<li>Examples include contracts with consultants, artists, athletes, or professionals like lawyers and doctors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_it_require_an_employee-employer_contract\"><\/span>Does it require an employee-employer contract?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>AI:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No, a personal service contract doesn&#8217;t inherently require a formal employer-employee relationship.<\/p>\n<p>While it can exist within an employment context (e.g., a contract for a specific role within a company), it can also exist independently.<\/p>\n<p>For example, a freelance artist hired to paint a mural on a building is providing personal service, even if they are not an employee of the building owner.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_characteristics_of_personal_service_contracts\"><\/span>Key characteristics of personal service contracts:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Reliance on individual skill:<\/strong> The service provider&#8217;s unique abilities are central to the agreement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Close relationship:<\/strong> There&#8217;s often a direct and personal connection between the parties involved.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Specific work:<\/strong> The contract clearly defines the scope of the work to be performed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Confidentiality and non-compete:<\/strong> These are common clauses in personal service contracts to protect the client&#8217;s interests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_contrast_to_a_%E2%80%9Ccontract_for_service%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>In contrast to a &#8220;contract for service&#8221;:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A &#8220;contract for service&#8221; (often an employer-employee relationship) involves the employer having control and direction over the work.<\/li>\n<li>In a personal service contract, the individual providing the service retains more autonomy and control over how the work is done.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_conclusion\"><\/span>In conclusion:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Personal service contracts are a broad category that can encompass various situations. While they are often associated with a close working relationship, they don&#8217;t necessarily require a formal employer-employee setup.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_have_to_be_the_specific_attributes_of_a_medical_service_for_it_to_be_personal_service\"><\/span>What have to be the specific attributes of a medical service for it to be personal service?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>AI:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For a medical service to be considered a personal service, it should prioritize individual patient needs and experiences, emphasizing aspects like empathy, communication, and tailored care. This involves understanding the patient&#8217;s unique circumstances, preferences, and values, and providing care that is both effective and respectful of their individuality.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Heres_a_breakdown_of_specific_attributes\"><\/span>Here&#8217;s a breakdown of specific attributes:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Patient-Centered_Approach\"><\/span>Patient-Centered Approach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Individualized Care:<\/strong> Tailored to the specific needs of each patient, considering their medical history, preferences, and values.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Holistic Perspective:<\/strong> Recognizing the patient as a whole person, addressing physical, emotional, and social well-being.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Empathy_and_Compassion\"><\/span>Empathy and Compassion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Understanding and Sharing Feelings:<\/strong> Creating a safe and supportive environment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Respectful Treatment:<\/strong> Treating patients with respect, dignity, and kindness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effective_Communication\"><\/span>Effective Communication<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Clear and Concise Explanations:<\/strong> Communicated in patient-friendly language, avoiding jargon.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Active Listening:<\/strong> Demonstrating attentiveness to concerns, questions, and feedback.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Building_Trust_and_Rapport\"><\/span>Building Trust and Rapport<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Open and Honest Communication:<\/strong> Transparent and trustworthy dialogue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Confidentiality:<\/strong> Essential for fostering trust and safety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cultural_Sensitivity\"><\/span>Cultural Sensitivity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Respecting Diverse Beliefs:<\/strong> Awareness of cultural and religious values.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Language Accessibility:<\/strong> Providing communication in the patient&#8217;s language or via translation services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Continuity_of_Care\"><\/span>Continuity of Care<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Coordination of Services:<\/strong> Ensuring smooth transitions, e.g., from hospital to home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Follow-up Care:<\/strong> Monitoring progress and addressing ongoing needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By focusing on these attributes, medical services can move beyond a transactional approach and deliver truly personalized care that enhances patient experience and health outcomes.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_surgical_procedure_tailored_to_the_particular_medical_needs_and_desire_of_the_patient_by_her_chosen_surgeon_a_personal_service\"><\/span>Is a surgical procedure tailored to the particular medical needs and desire of the patient by her chosen surgeon, a personal service?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>AI:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, a surgical procedure tailored to a patient&#8217;s specific medical needs and desires, especially when chosen by their surgeon, can be considered a personal service. This is because it involves customizing treatment beyond a standardized approach.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Heres_why\"><\/span>Here&#8217;s why:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Individualized Care:<\/strong> Considering the patient&#8217;s unique anatomy, history, and desired outcomes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shared Decision-Making:<\/strong> Surgeon and patient collaborate to determine the best course of action.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Holistic Approach:<\/strong> Incorporating psychological and cognitive characteristics.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Enhanced Patient Experience:<\/strong> Fosters satisfaction and engagement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoiding Paternalism:<\/strong> Respects patient autonomy and informed decision-making.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While surgical procedures are medical interventions, tailoring them to individual patients reflects a shift toward personalized, patient-centered care \u2014 a form of personal service.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_informed_consent_for_medical_procedure_is_treated_as_a_contract_%E2%80%94_is_it_not_a_personal_service_contract\"><\/span>An informed consent for medical procedure is treated as a contract \u2014 is it not a personal service contract?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>AI:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While informed consent for a medical procedure has contractual elements, it is not typically treated as a personal service contract in the conventional business sense. It&#8217;s more accurately described as a therapeutic agreement establishing a legal relationship with mutual rights and responsibilities.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Heres_why-2\"><\/span>Here&#8217;s why:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Focus on Autonomy and Disclosure:<\/strong> Ensures understanding of risks, benefits, and alternatives.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Therapeutic Relationship:<\/strong> The goal is patient health improvement, not just contractual fulfillment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Not a Commercial Transaction:<\/strong> Does not involve typical contract-for-hire dynamics.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal Ramifications:<\/strong> Emphasis is on negligence or lack of informed consent, not breach of contract.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Varying Legal Interpretations:<\/strong> While some frameworks apply contract principles, focus remains on autonomy and safety.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shared Decision-Making:<\/strong> Emphasizes collaboration between patient and provider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In essence, informed consent is a legal and ethical mandate rather than a conventional personal service contract.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"While_you_have_agreed_that_a_surgical_procedure_tailored_to_the_individual_patients_specific_needs_is_a_personal_service_is_it_not_a_contract_for_personal_service\"><\/span>While you have agreed that a surgical procedure tailored to the individual patient\u2019s specific needs is a personal service, is it not a contract for personal service?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>AI:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, a contract for a surgical procedure tailored to an individual patient&#8217;s needs, with consideration exchanged, is indeed a personal service contract.<\/p>\n<p>The agreement to perform such a customized and paid procedure creates a contractual obligation. It fits the definition of a personal service contract where the provider\u2019s unique expertise is engaged for a specific task \u2014 in this case, surgery.<\/p>\n<div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Heres_a_more_detailed_explanation\"><\/span>Here&#8217;s a more detailed explanation:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Personal_Service\"><\/span>Personal Service:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>A surgical procedure, particularly when tailored to a patient&#8217;s specific condition, relies on the surgeon&#8217;s individual skill and judgment. This makes it a personal service.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Contractual_Agreement\"><\/span>Contractual Agreement:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>When a patient and a surgeon agree on a procedure, with a clear understanding of the service to be provided and the consideration (payment) involved, a contract is formed.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consideration\"><\/span>Consideration:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The exchange of value (payment for the surgery) is crucial. Without consideration, there is no contract, just a potential service offering.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Specific_Needs\"><\/span>Specific Needs:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The fact that the procedure is tailored to the patient&#8217;s specific needs further emphasizes the personal nature of the contract. The surgeon is not just providing a general service but is using their expertise to address the individual&#8217;s unique medical situation.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, a contract for a tailored surgical procedure is a personal service contract because it involves a customized service performed by an individual professional, with consideration exchanged.<\/p>\n<p>A contract for providing personal service by the agreed specific procedure, for consideration commensurate with the surgical procedure \u2013 is it not a contract for personal service? The contract is for the procedure to be personally provided by the chosen surgeon.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"AI\"><\/span>AI:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Yes, a contract specifying that a surgical procedure will be personally provided by a chosen surgeon, in exchange for commensurate compensation, is indeed a contract for personal service. This type of agreement clearly outlines that the service is to be performed by a specific individual, making it a contract where the individual&#8217;s personal skills and expertise are central to the agreement.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Explanation\"><\/span>Explanation:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Personal_Service_Focus\"><\/span>Personal Service Focus:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>The core of the contract is the surgeon&#8217;s personal skill and the specific procedure they will perform. The agreement hinges on the patient&#8217;s choice of this particular surgeon for this particular procedure, making it a contract for personal service.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consideration-2\"><\/span>Consideration:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>The &#8220;consideration&#8221; in this case refers to the payment the patient provides in exchange for the surgeon&#8217;s services. This payment is directly linked to the specific surgical procedure being performed, further emphasizing the personal service aspect.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Distinction_from_%E2%80%9CContract_for_Service%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Distinction from &#8220;Contract for Service&#8221;:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>While a &#8220;contract for service&#8221; might involve hiring someone to perform a task, it doesn&#8217;t necessarily require the specific individual&#8217;s personal involvement. The focus is more on the outcome or result, rather than the individual providing the service.<\/p>\n<p>In a &#8220;contract of service&#8221; (employment), the employer controls how the work is done, and the employee is subject to the employer&#8217;s direction. However, in a contract for personal service, the individual providing the service retains control over how the service is performed.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Examples_of_Personal_Service\"><\/span>Examples of Personal Service:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>This type of agreement is common in professional services like legal representation (where a specific lawyer is chosen), medical treatment (where a specific doctor is chosen), and other specialized services where the client&#8217;s choice is based on the individual&#8217;s skills and reputation.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>A specific patient-tailored service to be provided personally by the chosen medical professional, against consideration for the treatment modality, is a \u201cContract for personal service\u201d and not a \u201cContract of personal service.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, as per the definition in Section 2(42) of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), patient-tailored treatment services are excluded from the purview of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It should be so declared in the light of the debate on the Act in Parliament, and the recent decision of the Two-Judge Supreme Court judgment in the <i>Bar of Indian Lawyers<\/i> case.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>Written By: Dr.Shri Gopal Kabra, <\/b>MBBS, LLB, MSc, MS (Anatomy), MS (Surgery)<br \/>\nEmail: kabrasg@hotmail.com, Ph no: 8003516198<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Judicial interpretation of the vague language of Section 2(1)(o) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 in the V. P. Shantha case led to the inclusion of Health Care and Medical Services as part of the services named in the inclusory portion of the section, thereby bringing them under the ambit of the CPA. The<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":4988,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[87],"tags":[28],"class_list":{"0":"post-6020","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-medico-legal","8":"tag-top-news"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Dr.-S.G.Kabra_-1.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6020","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6020"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6020\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4988"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6020"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6020"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6020"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}