Technicians alone can't run labs, sign reports; pathologists must: gr

The Medical Council of India (MCI) doesn't allow such diploma holders to sign reports. They can only assist qualified pathologists. MBBS doctors need to do a postgraduation in pathology

to become pathologists, recognised by the MCI. The long fight by the Maharashtra Association of Practising Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM) against malpractice in pathological labs

has finally borne fruit. The government on Tuesday issued a resolution saying a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technician (DMLT) degree-holder cannot run pathology laboratories independently

or sign reports, a pathologist has to be there to oversee things and finalise the reports. It also said that those violating the rules would face action dna had been the first to reveal how

some pathologists were violating rules to generate extra income, with a series being run to highlight the issue since March 2014. Many pathology laboratories across the state are taking

people for a ride. Lab technicians, and not pathologists, sign reports. dna had found this illegal practice rampant in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Borivli. The Medical Council of India

(MCI) doesn't allow such diploma holders to sign reports. They can only assist qualified pathologists. MBBS doctors need to do a postgraduation in pathology to become pathologists,

recognised by the MCI. Recently, the Maharashtra Medical Council suspended the registration of three pathologists after finding out that they were allowing laboratories to use their names

and manual or electronic signatures in exchange for money. The MAPPM, an umbrella body of qualified pathologists, had filed a complaint against the three doctors with the MMC. This was the

first time that a doctors' association had come forward to expose the corruption and registered a complaint with substantial proof to nail the erring pathologists. The MAPPM has

welcomed the government's decision saying this is the need of the hour. MAPPM secretary Dr Sandeep Yadav said, "Many pathology laboratories across the state are taking people for a

ride. Lab technicians and not pathologists are signing reports. We are thankful to the chief minister and medical education minister for taking this decision and issuing a circular; this

will definitely help to curb the illegal practice." After the illegal practice had come to light, the Indian Medical Association (Maharashtra) had asked its doctor-members not to refer

patients for investigation to laboratories not having qualified pathologists. President of IMA, Maharashtra, Dr Jayesh Lele said, "This is a welcome move. Patients' reports, based

on the diagnosis, decide the future course of action to be taken with respect to treatment. Hence, it's vital for these reports to be proper."