The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a statewide crackdown on pathology laboratories, diagnostic centres and doctors over allegations that test reports were deliberately manipulated, putting patients through unnecessary treatment and financial hardship. The directive was issued by Dr Pawan Kumar Arun, Director General of Medical and Health Services, to chief medical officers (CMOs) in every district.

Source: Medical Dialogues

Under the order, each district must complete a special inspection drive covering all pathology laboratories, diagnostic centres and sample collection centres within 30 days. Every district will form an investigation committee led by an Additional Chief Medical Officer, with a senior pathologist from a government hospital or medical college and the nodal officer for Clinical Establishment registration as members.

Source: Medical Dialogues

The committees must identify suspect laboratories from newspaper reports and other complaints, audit machine data and financial records, and secure documentary evidence. If the inquiry finds prima facie evidence of unregistered operation, the absence of a qualified pathologist, or manipulation of reports, the laboratory's registration is to be suspended immediately and the laboratory sealed under the rules.

Source: Medical Dialogues

The directive also warns doctors against demanding or accepting commission, cuts, gifts or any other benefit from a laboratory in exchange for referring patients, calling it professional misconduct under Regulation 6.4 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations. Laboratories and doctors found guilty face action under the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, and reports say laboratories also risk fines and FIRs under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.

Source: Health and Family

The issue was discussed with the Principal Secretary of the Medical Health and Family Welfare Department, and the government has said public health is its highest priority. Complaints can also come through the Jan Sunwai portal, helplines, media reports and social media, according to the reports.

Source: Medical Dialogues

The allegations at the centre of the drive are that certain private diagnostic centres colluded with doctors to alter clinical investigation results, leading to wrong or unnecessary treatment. No individual laboratory or doctor has been named in the reports of the directive so far, and the inspections are meant to establish the facts district by district.

Source: Health and Family