Ghost Pathologists creating menace in Maha, Doctors ask Medical Council to intervene

Mumbai: Taking cognizance of the growing number of pathology laboratories, particularly in rural Maharashtra, and the persistent issue of ghost pathologists signing off pathology reports, the Maharashtra Association of Practising Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM) has urged the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to intervene and implement measures to curb such practices.

Ghost pathologists, individuals who are absent during tests, have become a significant concern, as all tests should be overseen by registered medical practitioners holding a post-graduate qualification in pathology. This practice not only leads to incorrect diagnoses but also necessitates re-testing.

In a letter dated March 6, MAPPM formally requested the council to establish stringent guidelines ensuring the physical presence of pathologists during the generation of laboratory reports and to regulate pathology practices more effectively. Dr Prasad Kulkarni, an executive member of MAPPM, highlighted that while the prevalence of ghost pathologists is notable in rural Maharashtra, it remains a pervasive issue across the entire country. He emphasized that many laboratories bear the names and electronic signatures of pathologists who are practically absent during the review and when the result was being prepared.

While talking to Medical Dialogues, Dr Kulkarni stated, "When we investigated the matter, we found that the same doctor has been registered with multiple pathology centres. In many cases, we found that their signatures on the blank papers have been used to print pathology reports. Whenever we get any evidence of such a crime, we send the details to MMC, but we want the council to come out with proper guidelines now. After we took action against such illegal practice, ghost pathologists are in panic mode to give up their attachments and some of them have enquired about the names of the three mentioned in our letter."

MAPPM has 3500 registered pathologists in the state and it is trying to nab those who indulge in this illegal practice. “We are now also contacting the insurance companies to find out such pathologists. We have already shared the names of three pathologists against whom we had complained to the MMC. However, the case is still pending. We have requested the council to look into our complaints and take action against the offenders,” he said.

Commenting on the issue, Dr Sandeep Yadav, president of MAPPM told Medical Dialogues," According to a guideline issued by the apex court in 2017 any pathological report can only be signed by a registered pathologist and he or she must supervise the whole test, and preparation of results. Additionally, the association uncovered instances where individuals with Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery MD ROG NIDAN degrees were signing off on pathology reports. MD ROG NIDAN is a three-year post-graduation program that trains students to become researchers and medical professionals in Ayurveda. Hence, there is a need for a comprehensive guideline to get rid of any kind of confusion."

"Though all the pathology-related clinical activities come under the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) but paramedical council issued a letter stating that they can continue working independently. It can create a lot of confusion regarding the scope of their work. Moreover, the paramedical council has been endeavouring to convey to government officials that pathologists must possess paramedical council registration to operate a laboratory. Notices from the council and government officials are being served to our pathologists. In our letter, we have urged the MMC to engage with the paramedical council and liaise with the pertinent law enforcement authorities to seek clarification on this matter," he added.