Month on, city labs continue to function sans PG pathologist

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, February 15

It has been more than a month now since the apex court directed that only a qualified and registered pathologist with a postgraduate qualification in pathology can countersign on the pathology report of any patient. However, till date no show-cause notice has been issued to any private laboratory here as the civil surgeon is yet to receive the directions.

As per information available, there are approximately 100 diagnostic centres in the city. Some of them are in private hospitals and others just as diagnostic centres.

Besides, there are around 40 diagnostic centres in the city where only a diploma holder medical lab technician (MLT) is providing the pathology report to patients.

Pleading anonymity, an MD Pathology doctor said, “It is an appreciable step of the Supreme Court to put an end to any fake pathology report.”

He further stated that there are a number of hospitals in the city that are providing diagnostic services to patients without hiring a pathologist registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or with the State Medical Council.

Another senior doctor claimed that the civil surgeon has not been given any powers to implement these orders.

However, it is learnt that the Bathinda Diagnostic Centre Association has given a memorandum to Civil Surgeon Hari Narayan Singh to implement the apex court direction as soon as possible. However, members of the association refused to give their comment in this regard.

Dr Vikas Chhabra, president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bathinda, welcomed the directions of the Supreme Court and said if the district health authorities would take strict action against the laboratories which do not follow the norms of the apex court it will definitely send a strong message to those who are turning this profession into a business.

On the other hand, Civil Surgeon Hari Narayan Singh confirmed that the Bathinda Diagnostic Centre Association had given a memorandum to them for the implementation of the apex court direction. However, he said they haven’t received any direction from the government in this regard till date.