A diagnostic laboratory in Virar East has come under scrutiny for allegedly issuing medical reports in the name of a doctor whose registration had already been suspended by the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC). The matter has raised serious concerns over patient safety and regulatory compliance in diagnostic centres.
Complaint by Civic Health Officer Triggers Probe
According to a report by The Free Press Journal, the issue surfaced after a complaint was filed by Dr. Sampat Satya Valvi, a medical officer with the Vasai–Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC) Health Department.
Acting on directions from Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Bhakti Chaudhary, the officer informed authorities that a doctor listed as a pathologist at certain pathology and diagnostic centres had his medical registration suspended under provisions of the Maharashtra Medical Council Act 1965. His registration certificate reportedly expired on November 16, 2021.
Reports Allegedly Issued Despite Suspension
Despite the suspension, officials discovered that blood test reports were allegedly still being issued bearing the doctor’s signature. Authorities said such practices are a serious concern because laboratory reports play a crucial role in clinical decision-making for treating doctors.
Health officials warned that issuing reports under the name of a suspended practitioner could compromise diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
Inspection of Diagnostic Centre
Following a government directive and in accordance with a 1991 resolution regulating diagnostic centres, a municipal health team inspected Dhanvantari Pathology Laboratories in Virar East.
During the inspection, officials observed that the certificate displayed at the centre was in the name of the suspended doctor. When questioned, laboratory staff allegedly admitted that diagnostic reports had continued to be issued under his name even after the suspension of his registration.
FIR Process Initiated
Based on the findings, the civic body has lodged a complaint against the doctor and initiated the process of registering a First Information Report (FIR). Authorities said the ongoing investigation will determine the scale of the alleged violations and whether legal action will also be taken against the owners and operators of the diagnostic centre.
Pathologists’ Association Raises Concerns
Meanwhile, representatives of the Maharashtra Association of Practising Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM) claimed that the doctor had continued operating despite notices issued by the civic body.
The association further alleged that the practitioner, originally from Gujarat, had been functioning illegally for a considerable period, prompting calls for stricter monitoring of diagnostic laboratories across the region.
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