Mumbai: Allegations have surfaced against a Pune-based pathologist, Dr. Mohan, claiming she continued signing pathology reports even after her medical registration was suspended. A formal complaint has been lodged with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), the State Public Health Department, and the Pune District Collector.
Complaint by Pathologists’ Association
The Maharashtra Association of Practising Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM) filed the complaint last Tuesday after an insurance company flagged irregularities in laboratory reports bearing Dr. Mohan’s signature. The reports pertained to a patient from a private multi-speciality hospital in Jejuri.
Background of Suspension
Dr. Mohan had faced disciplinary action by the MMC earlier for permitting her signature to be used in multiple pathology reports without supervision. The Council had removed her name from the Medical Register for three years, citing that she had attachments to labs at locations that made daily oversight impossible.
Alleged Continued Violations
MAPPM alleged that Dr. Mohan continued signing pathology reports despite the suspension, failing to respond to notices issued by the MMC. Investigations revealed she had not renewed her registration since 2012 and had allegedly practiced in Maharashtra without a valid licence.
MMC Action Taken Earlier
On December 26, 2024, the MMC Administrator officially removed Dr. Mohan’s name from the register for three years under Section 16 of the MMC Act. The decision followed findings that she had not responded to Council communications since 2019 and had used her signature for insurance and routine lab reports.
Details of the New Complaint
The complaint filed by Dr. Prasad Kulkarni, executive member of MAPPM, highlighted that Dr. Mohan’s name, signature, and qualifications were still being used in pathology laboratories despite her suspension. Supporting reports from the insurance company were attached to substantiate the claims.
Dr. Mohan Denies Allegations
Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Dr. Mohan denied the allegations, stating, “I have not given any signature anywhere. Since the suspension of my name from the registry, I am not practising anywhere at present.”
MMC to Conduct Inquiry
MMC President Dr. Vinky Rughwani confirmed receiving the complaint, emphasizing that signing lab reports without valid registration is unacceptable and could amount to criminal practice by an unregistered practitioner. “The council will conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter and examine the allegations as per due process before taking further action,” he added.
