MMC frames charges against 5 pathologists for unethical practices

Mumbai, April, 2016

The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has finally framed charges against 5 pathologists who were found to be involved in unethical practices like forging signatures and generating unverified diagnostic reports to generate extra income. The offenders hail from districts like Baramati, Sangli and Thane and also from areas like Navi Mumbai, Panvel and Borivali. It was also found that the pathologists were registered with multiple pathology centres and used to sign on blank papers that were used to print pathology reports.
The Quasi-judicial body had earlier served show-cause notices to these pathologists for signing diagnostic reports without proper verification and authorization. 
"We have framed charges against the offenders and referred it to the legal cell for a final judgment order to be released soon. Only a person with a post graduate degree in pathology is a qualified pathologist registered with the MMC and can authorize diagnostic reports," explained an official. 

Based on the complaints from Maharashtra Association of Practicing Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM), MMC in the past reviewed cases wherein lab personnel issued diagnostic reports without getting duly supervised and authorized by a qualified pathologist. The irony according to an expert is that there is no control over the unqualified lab personnel. As per MMC Act, laboratories issuing diagnostic test reports should have qualified pathologists in its panel to oversee the tests and certify the reports. There have been many cases reported in the past where diagnostic reports were given by technicians and not under the guidance of qualified pathologists.

An umbrella body of qualified pathologists, MAPPM which has under its fold more than 15,000 path labs across the state had written to the authorities in the past stating that only a pathologist possessing a post graduate degree in pathology can run a lab and sign reports.

Medical Council of India (MCI) allows only registered medical practitioners holding a PG degree in pathology to practice it. Path labs are also under the cloud with pathologists simply renting out their certificates without being present in the lab. There are more than 15,000 pathology labs across the state, of which 1,600 are in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane. drugscontrol.org