Virar diagnostic lab under probe over reports issued in suspended doctor's name

Mumbai: A diagnostic laboratory in Virar East has come under scrutiny for allegedly issuing medical reports using the name of a doctor whose registration had been suspended by the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC).

According to The Free Press Journal, the issue surfaced after a complaint was filed by Dr. Sampat Satya Valvi, a medical officer with the Vasai–Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC) Health Department. Acting on directions from Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Bhakti Chaudhary, the officer reported that the doctor who was listed as a pathologist at certain pathology and diagnostic centres had his medical registration suspended under provisions of the Maharashtra Medical Council Act 1965, with the certificate reportedly expiring on November 16, 2021. 

Despite the suspension, authorities found that blood test reports were allegedly still being issued bearing the doctor’s signature. Officials said such practices raise serious concerns for patient safety, as laboratory reports are a critical component in clinical decision-making for treating doctors.

Following a government directive and in line with a 1991 resolution regulating diagnostic centres, a municipal health team inspected Dhanvantari Pathology Laboratories. During the inspection, officials noted that the certificate displayed at the centre was in the name of the suspended doctor. When questioned, staff at the laboratory allegedly informed officials that diagnostic reports had continued to be issued under his name even after the suspension of his medical registration.

Based on these findings, the civic body has lodged a complaint against the doctor and initiated the process of registering a First Information Report (FIR). Authorities said further investigation will determine the extent of the alleged violations and whether action will also be taken against the owners of the diagnostic centre.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Maharashtra Association of Practising Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM) claimed that he had continued operating despite notices issued by the civic body. The association further alleged that the doctor, originally from Gujarat, had been functioning illegally for a considerable period.