Medical Council notice to Mumbai's Hospital HoD pathology, medical superintendent over alleged irregularities in HIV Testing
Mumbai: Taking note of allegations of irregularities in HIV testing procedures at VN Desai Hospital, Mumbai, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has sought an explanation from the medical superintendent of the hospital and the head of the pathology department.
The council took cognisance of the matter after a complaint was filed in this regard by health activist Bhosale, who claimed that the hospital failed to follow the mandatory pre- and post-test counselling and consent protocols, which ultimately raised concerns regarding patient privacy.
According to Free Press Journal, reports indicate that, due to a shortage of HIV test kits, the hospital sent patient samples to a private laboratory, where the patients were allegedly charged for tests that are performed free of cost at civic hospitals.
Raising the complaint, Bhosale said that the notice was issued on October 7, 2025. He added, "Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) in Maharashtra are issued an explanation notice by the MMC if a complaint of professional misconduct is filed. The Council, as the regulatory authority for doctors in the state, has the power to investigate and take disciplinary action if misconduct is proven."
Free Press Journal has reported that the complaint alleged that HIV test kits are supplied by the Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS). However, a shortage in test kits occurred in July and August 2025. Allegedly, instead of arranging kits through scheduled or local procurement as advised by the Additional Municipal Commissioner, the hospital sent samples to a single private lab located opposite the hospital.
It has been reported that the patients were charged Rs 450 per test during this period, and this raised suspicions of vested interests influencing the decision. During that time, Dr. Acharya served as the medical superintendent, and Dr. Bhanji headed the pathology department.
Besides, the complaint also alleged that the patients were neither counselled before nor after the testing and informed consent was not obtained. Doctors from the gynaecology department also reported delays in receiving test reports, and in some cases, reports lacked signatures from senior hospital authorities, raising concerns about the authenticity and safety of patients.
Apart from this, ward doctors were reportedly instructed to conduct HIV tests themselves in the absence of the Integrated Counseling and Testing Center (ICTC) technician after 4 p.m., on Sundays, holidays, or during leave, even though this task is meant exclusively for trained laboratory technicians. Due to this, no official records were maintained for the number of tests conducted or the positive results obtained on such days.
Meanwhile, the allegations raised in the complaint have been denied by the hospital. Commenting on the issue, Dr. Acharya said, "I have already submitted my explanation to the Maharashtra Medical Council. There was no lapse from the hospital’s side."
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