Mushrooming Unauthorised Path Labs: IMA raises concern over Ghost Pathologist role in Teen's Blood Report accused in Porsche Crash Case

Pune: Slamming the two arrested doctors of Sassoon Hospital responsible for allegedly swapping the blood samples of the teen driver accused in the Porsche car crash case, the Pune chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly criticised their actions. 

Raising their voice against the alleged misconduct, the association has stated as reported by Pune Times Mirror that the two arrested doctors' actions have tarnished the medical fraternity's image and reputation. 

Medical Dialogues team had previously reported that two doctors of Sassoon Hospital were arrested for allegedly discarding the blood samples of the 17-year-old boy suspect accused of murdering two software engineers and replacing them with another person's samples.

Also read- Porsche Crash Case: 14 Calls Between Forensic Head Of Sassoon Hospital, Teen's Father For Swapping Blood Sample

The two doctors accused of tampering with the blood sample reports include the head of the Forensic Medicine department of Sassoon General Hospital and the chief medical officer of the Sassoon Hospital.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the Chief Medical Officer reportedly replaced the blood samples on the direction of the HOD on 19th May at around 11 am. The CMO allegedly threw the blood samples in a dustbin of the hospital and sent the blood samples of another person to the forensic lab. 

Expressing concern over the controversy, Dr Rajan Sancheti, president of the IMA Pune chapter has called out the government to draw their attention to issues like sample collection by technicians and the practice of “ghost” pathologists who provide signatures without being physically present. This is a practice that has come under scrutiny amidst the delays in releasing blood reports by the Pune Forensic Laboratory related to the minor accused. 

Speaking to Pune Times Mirror, Sancheti said, “Firstly, the IMA unequivocally opposes illegal activities tarnishing the image of doctors. Secondly, in medicolegal cases, pathologists play a crucial role. It's imperative to address the concerning trend of path labs run by technicians, with pathologists remotely signing off on reports without being present. This malpractice demands immediate attention.” 

In a previous article reported by The Daily, Riva Pocha, a Mumbai-based forensic expert with more than 25 years of experience and the founder of FACTS (Forensic Analysis Consultancy & Training Services) shed light on critical delays in forensic testing.

"The mushrooming of unauthorised path labs and the involvement of ghost pathologists are known to have implications on patient care, as erroneous reports can impact treatment decisions and jeopardise lives. Despite years of concern raised by the IMA and the Maharashtra Association of Practising Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM), the state administration has shown little responsiveness to complaints. At the very least, we expect the state to acknowledge the issue and assist in regulating and rectifying the illegal practices within laboratories,” Sancheti asserted. 

Meanwhile, Dr Sundeep Yadav, state president for MAPMM told The Daily, "The necessity of raising awareness among both the public and medical professionals regarding the proliferation of such laboratories and unethical practices, such as doctors charging exorbitant fees merely for associating their signature with a lab is extremely needed."

Renowned for his advocacy in regulating laboratories and combating malpractices, such as ghost pathologists and unregistered technicians, Dr Yadav said, "The IMA must address this issue and organise Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions to educate on the detrimental impact of such practices. Besides this, the administration has taken note of both the doctors’ involvement, and being from the fraternity, we can only stress on awareness about one and all."

Medical dialogues team reported yesterday about the suspension of the two doctors and the staffer of Sassoon Hospital based on the committee recommendations. Similarly, B J Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital dean Dr Vinayak Kale was sent on compulsory leave due to allegations of not treating the situation with the necessary seriousness and failing to make appropriate decisions in his capacity as dean. 

Also read- Porsche Crash Case: Sassoon Hospital Dean Sent On Compulsory Leave, 2 Doctors Arrested For Swapping Blood Sample Suspended