Pune: Karad city police have booked 17 individuals, including two Pune-based doctors linked to a private laboratory, for allegedly issuing diagnostic reports signed by a pathologist despite no tests being conducted or supervised by a qualified professional.
Complaint Filed by Karad Pathologist
The FIR was lodged by Dr. Yadav, a fifty-two-year-old qualified pathologist who has been running a pathology laboratory in Karad since 2006. After discovering that patients were being duped through fraudulent diagnostic reports, he approached the police in July 2023.
Police Action After Expert Opinion
Following the complaint, police sought opinions from the Maharashtra Medical Council, Mumbai, and other concerned departments. Based on their feedback, an offence was formally registered on Tuesday evening against the accused individuals.
Accused from Multiple Cities
Among the 17 booked, two are doctors based in Pune. The others include six individuals from Navi Mumbai, eight from Karad, and one from Kolhapur, indicating a wider network involved in the alleged malpractice.
Fake Reports Issued Using Pathologist’s Name
According to media reports, the laboratory issued diagnostic reports prepared by technicians and other staff while using the name, scanned signature, and professional credentials of a registered pathologist who was not associated with the lab.
Violation of Medical Laws
Assistant Police Inspector Tabbasum Shadiwan of Karad city police station stated that the case has been registered under section 33 of the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961, and sections 34 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and common intention.
Lab Operated Without Qualified Supervision
Police said the laboratory, located at Bheda Chowk in Karad, conducted blood and urine tests without the physical presence or supervision of a qualified pathologist. Despite this, reports were issued in the name of a Pune-based registered pathologist with a postgraduate qualification, even though the doctor was not affiliated with the lab.
Concern Over Widespread Illegal Practices
Dr. Yadav termed the case as only the tip of the iceberg, claiming such illegal practices are rampant across Maharashtra. He warned that unqualified technicians running pathology labs pose a serious public health risk and urged district authorities to take strict action against such centres.
