Over 10,000 illegal pathology labs thrive in Gujarat 

In Gujarat, there are approximately 10,000 pathology laboratories that are apparently illegal. To legally run a lab, an MD in Pathology is a mandatory requirement. However, in Gujarat, individuals who have completed only their 10th or 12th grade and are currently pursuing Medical Lab Technology courses are operating laboratories, according to sources.

The issue of eligibility to operate a laboratory has been a subject of dispute between the Gujarat State Pathologists & Microbiologists Association and the state’s lab technicians for the past 19 years.

In 2006, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Gujarat High Court in this matter. In 2010, the high court ruled that only a doctor with a recognised degree should be allowed to operate a laboratory.

However, this judgment was challenged in the Supreme Court. In 2017, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s decision, stating that all laboratory reports must be signed by an MD Pathologist. Any report signed by someone without the required degree would be considered illegal, and action would be taken against him.

Despite the Supreme Court’s order, issues continue to persist in laboratories, especially in rural areas.

In 2017, the Gujarat Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists provided a list of 512 illegal laboratories to the state’s police with their names and addresses, but no legal action has been taken until now.

Moreover, in some cases, virtual signatures are being used on reports, which are not considered valid. Dr Mahendra Patel, former president of the Gujarat Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists, has stated that incorrect diagnoses based on false reports can pose serious health risks to patients.

This makes it essential for only MD Pathologists to sign laboratory reports. Despite these concerns, the health department remains indifferent and has failed to address the issue effectively.

An incident has also come to light of laboratory licences being sold in Gujarat. For instance, a laboratory may display the name of an MD Pathologist on its board, but in reality, tests are being conducted by technicians.

The reports are then signed by an MD Pathologist, making them appear legitimate, even though they are not. This kind of malpractice is widespread, and the health department continues to turn a blind eye, as per doctors.

The issue of illegal laboratories has also been raised with the Gujarat Lokayukta.

Recently, the Lokayukta requested a detailed report from the state health department and ordered the district health officers to provide information on the ownership of pathology labs, the names of the pathologists working there, the methods used for tests, and the medical equipment involved. They were also directed to inspect the laboratories. However, information regarding the action and its results are unavailable. GujaratSamachar