Maharashtra: Govt revokes order calling for ban on technicians running pathlabs

Hence keeping in mind the well-being of the patients, especially in rural areas, government justified in taking back its blanket ban.

This decision has clearly not been accepted by Maharashtra Association of Practicing Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM) , who have alleged that the government has succumbed to the pressure of a powerful lobby.

"It is unfortunate that the state chose the interest of a few people over the health of citizens. The reality is that many are pursuing DMLT and CMLT (Certificate in Medical Lab Technology) after completion of class 12 and class 10 and running labs. We have often come across erroneous reports, including a case where an individual committed suicide after he was given a false HIV-positive report," Dr Sanjay Yadav, President, MAPPM told TOI.

"There are only 3000-odd legal labs in the state. The state must act towards cracking down on illegal labs instead of trying to legalize those run by unqualified people," he added.

While removing the blanket ban, the state has proposed regularization of DMLT holders running pathology labs. The state has decided that once the Maharashtra Paramedical Council Act, 2011 comes into effect, DMLT holders who register with the council will be allowed to run labs and certify reports. Having said that, it becomes important to point out that while the state has passed the Act in 2011, Maharashtra Paramedical Council is still not come into being.

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