Investigation launched over use of deceased doctor's signature on Lab reports

Pune: Amid the controversy over the alleged use of the signature of a Pune-based pathologist on laboratory reports issued until January 2026, officials from the public health department and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have launched a parallel inquiry. The Pune district civil surgeon has initiated an investigation and is expected to inspect the laboratories named in the complaint to verify documentation and compliance.

Dr. Nagnath Yempalle, Pune district civil surgeon, told HT, “We have initiated a detailed inquiry into the matter. I will personally visit the concerned laboratories on Friday to verify records, registers and reporting practices. If any irregularity or violation is found, appropriate action will be taken as per existing provisions.”

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that a Pune-based pathologist, who passed away on November 20, 2025, signatures allegedly continued to appear on laboratory reports issued until January 2026. The issue surfaced when patients submitted these reports while filing health insurance claims. During verification, the insurance company noticed discrepancies and alerted the Maharashtra Association of Practising Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM).

Hindustan Times reported that a preliminary review conducted by the association revealed that reports bearing the deceased doctor’s signature had been issued by laboratories and private hospitals across several locations, including Bhosari, Swargate, Narhe, Daund, and Ahilyanagar, including Shevgaon and Shrigonda. The association’s president, Dr Sandeep Yadav, has written to Pune district collector Jitendra Dudi and the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), seeking a comprehensive probe and strict action against those responsible.

Meanwhile, the PMC’s health department has also initiated action in the matter. Two laboratories named in the complaint, located in Swargate and Narhe and falling under PMC’s jurisdiction, will be inspected.

PMC health chief Dr Nina Borade said, “Two laboratories named in the complaint fall under the PMC’s jurisdiction and will be inspected by our health team. We will verify records, reporting practices, and compliance. At the same time, we are examining the regulatory gaps, as there is no specific law governing pathology laboratories at present. We are exploring what provisions can be invoked to ensure accountability and protect patient safety.”

Officials have acknowledged that the matter sits in a legal grey area, as there is currently no dedicated legislation directly regulating the functioning of pathology laboratories. However, the state government is expected to bring all diagnostic laboratories under the supervision of the public health department, with a government resolution likely to be issued soon.