Expressing concern over rise in illegal pathology laboratories in the state, Maharashtra Association of Practitioners in Pathology and Microbiology (MAPPM) has urged Maharashtra directorate of health services to conduct inspection of path labs in the state at par with inspection of hospitals and take action against rogue elements.

MAPPM, an umbrella body of registered pathologists across the state, in a letter to Dr Archana Patil, additional director, health services, Maharashtra said that there are thousands of technicians with Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) or equivalent degrees who are not registered with the Maharashtra Medical Council running path labs independently in absence of a registered and qualified pathologist. This is in violation of Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act 1961. These path labs are illegal posing risk to the general public.

The DMLT holders who are supposed to examine samples, record it, are certifying the reports. As per Medical Council of India, a registered medical practitioner having a post-graduate degree in pathology can only certify test reports. Certification of medical reports by unqualified people can lead to wrong diagnosis and change the treatment, thus putting patients at serious risk, said Dr Sandeep Yadav, president of MAPPM.

Dr Yadav said that there are around 8,000 path labs in Maharashtra. Of them, around 4,000 labs are illegal running by technicians with DMLT or equivalent degrees. These technicians collect samples and certify reports. More than 60 to 70% of these laboratories are mushrooming in urban areas. There are about 3,285 pathologists which is enough to cater to needs of the population of the state. Instead of appointing them for certifying the reports, DMLT holders and other lab technicians are examining and certifying reports themselves thereby posing risk to patients.

Its high time for the government to take action against such rough elements jeopardizing public health. The directorate of health services had ordered inspection of all clinical establishments in the state but it had not mentioned inspection of path labs which are part of medical practice.

“We have appealed to the directorate of health services to conduct inspection of all path labs in the state and take action against those running labs illegally. Aurangabad Municipal Corporation and Satara district administration had conducted inspection of path labs in their respective jurisdictions but such inspection needs to be carried out in other regions too. Municipal Corporations, district administrations can take action against these illegal laboratories through their anti-quackery cell, which has the authority to seize equipment and register a case,” he added.