Soon, a law to govern pathology laboratories

A Sangli practitioner claims that 4 labs had given him different reports of the same diabetic person’s blood sample. Representation pic

A social media post that went viral not only landed the person who created it in trouble, but also forced the government to initiate steps to check the menace of bogus pathology laboratories, and put in place a standard operating procedure for this diagnostic business.

The development took place in the legislative council after a question raised by MLC Aniket Tatkare, who informed the house, that Dr Yogesh Mainkar, an ayurvedic practitioner in Sangli, had claimed that four laboratories had given him four different reports of the same diabetic person's blood sample. The MLC demanded that the laboratories in question and all other such units in the district be verified and action taken against them, because the varied reports could lead to improper/fatal treatment.

However, Health Minister Tanaji Sawant said that the practitioner had not given any evidence or named the laboratories that purportedly gave him the reports. "Mainkar has told the department that his video (in which he discussed the issue and warned people against it) was only for creating awareness. He neither gave us names or reports in contention," said the minister.

Path lab biz to be studied

In reply to the intense debate that followed, Sawant said a committee under the additional chief secretary (health) will study all aspects related to the pathology business, because the data on laboratories in the state was not available in the absence of compulsory registration/licensing with the government agency. When pressed further, he said the committee will work on drafting a new law to govern the pathology laboratories within three months.

"We will have to create a SOP and policy for staff, operations, doctors and technicians, and ensure a law like one for running hospitals under which pathology labs can be governed and checked for authenticity," he said. Shiv Sena MLC Manisha Kayande, who had raised the matter in the previous session, said a pathology laboratory can be started only with a gumasta license (issued under the shop act). "Nothing has been done despite raising the matter repeatedly in the house," she rued.

‘Don't let him off'

Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab said the ayurveda practitioner couldn't go scot free, because he had released disinformation and created fear among people. "It's a cyber crime. People have been arrested within hours in some cases. What is stopping you in this? Please file an FIR at least," demanded Parab. Bhai Jagtap and Pravin Darekar also participated in the debate. Minister Sawant suggested that the practitioner be given another chance to explain, but considering the sentiment, deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe instructed him to file an FIR in the case.