Concerns over technicians signing pathology reports; govt to review legal action
Mumbai: The issue of “ghost pathologists” and the unauthorised signing of pathology reports was recently raised in the Maharashtra State Assembly, triggering concerns about diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. Legislators highlighted alleged malpractice in several laboratories where pathology reports are reportedly being signed by individuals who are not qualified pathologists.
During the Assembly session, Shiv Sena MLA Manisha Kayande pointed out that only doctors with an MD in Pathology are authorised to sign pathology reports. However, she alleged that in many laboratories, technicians or other staff members are signing the reports instead, raising serious questions about the credibility of diagnostic services.
Kayande urged the state government to take strict action against such individuals under the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961. She said issuing pathology reports without the involvement of a qualified pathologist is a serious violation and can endanger patient safety.
Concerns regarding the matter were earlier raised by the Maharashtra Association of Practicing Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM). The association claimed that some laboratories are operating in the names of pathologists who are no longer alive, while others are issuing reports without mentioning the registration number of the pathologist concerned.
Kayande also noted that the rapid growth of pathology laboratories in both urban and rural areas has intensified the issue. She alleged that in some cases, laboratories are issuing test reports without proper supervision by trained pathologists or recognised medical practitioners.
According to her, there have also been instances where lab technicians or staff members are digitally signing reports on behalf of pathologists. This practice, she said, has significantly eroded public trust in diagnostic testing and raised serious doubts about the authenticity of laboratory reports.
She further asked the government whether legal action similar to that taken against bogus doctors could also be applied to those involved in issuing unauthorised pathology reports under the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961.
Responding to the concerns, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said there is still a lack of clarity on certain aspects of the issue. However, he assured the Assembly that the government would soon convene a meeting with all stakeholders to examine the matter and consider the possibility of introducing appropriate legislation.
