With this new development, the Maharashtra Association of Practising Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM) is planning a new battle against the circular.
Two days after it issued a resolution stating that laboratory technicians who have completed a diploma course in Medical Laboratory Technician (DMLT) cannot run pathology laboratories independently or sign reports, the state government took a U-turn after it stayed its own decision. The government issued a fresh circular on Friday saying that it is mulling over a plan to allow these technicians to carry out pathology tests in rural areas.
With this new development, the Maharashtra Association of Practising Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM) is planning a new battle against the circular.
dna was the first to reveal how some pathologists were violating rules to generate extra income, with a series being run to highlight the issue since March 2014. Lab technicians, and not pathologists, sign test reports. dna had found this illegal practice rampant in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel and Borivli.
The Medical Council of India (MCI) doesn't allow such diploma holders to sign reports. They can only assist qualified pathologists. MBBS doctors are required to compplete a post-graduation course in pathology to become MCI-recognised pathologists.
The new circular states there are only around 2,271 pathologists in the state, which is an inadequate number to cater to the population. Most of these pathologists work in the metros. To provide the rural population immediate access to pathology facilities, the government has planned to give permission to DMLT certificate-holders to perform tests.
"We fought this illegal practice for the past eight years and after the government finally came up with the right decision, I don't know why they would issue a stay on this order within two days," said Dr Sandeep Yadav, secretary, MAPPM.
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