MMC to frame charges against pathologists for unethical practices

Mumbai,2016

The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) is in the process of framing charges against 6 pathologists in Baramati, Sangli, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel and Borivali who were found involved in unethical practices like selling their signatures to laboratories to generate extra income. 

MMC is currently reviewing the cases of path lab personnel for issuing diagnostic reports without getting duly supervised and authorized by a qualified pathologist. Only a person with a post graduate degree in pathology is a qualified pathologist registered with the MMC.MMC had earlier served show-cause notices to these pathologists for signing diagnostic reports without proper verification and authorization. The irony according to an expert is that there is no control over the unqualified lab personnel. As per MMC Act, laboratories conducting and issuing diagnostic test reports should have one or more qualified pathologists 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, Maharashtra Association of Practicing Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM) which has under its fold more than 15,000 path labs across the state had also 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.

“MCI allows only registered medical practitioners holding a PG degree in pathology to practice it. Illegal laboratories pose a threat not only to the patients but also to those running laboratories in the legal way by appointing qualified pathologists," an expert says. Path labs are also under the cloud with pathologists simply renting out their certificates without being present in the lab.It was also found that the doctors were registered with multiple pathology centres and used to sign on blank papers that were used to print pathology reports. 

There are more than 15,000 pathology labs across the state, of which 1,600 are in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane.Pharmabiz