Technicians can't run pathology lab: GUJARAT HC

The Gujarat High Court has ruled that technicians can't run pathology laboratories independently because they are not qualified pathologists.

The pathologists association had approached the high court more than a decade ago seeking directions to the state for taking action against those running pathology laboratories without requisite qualification. After a prolonged hearing, the court concluded that technicians can't directly give a report without authentication by a pathologist registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI).

"Though it is open to any person or institute to run a pathology laboratory, but no report can be issued without the signature or counter signature of the practicing pathologist recognised by the Medical Council of India," the bench headed by Chief Justice S J Mukhopadhaya ruled and directed the government to ensure that no pathology laboratory is run by an unqualified person.

However, if the laboratory is run by a pathologist or engages a pathologist registered with MCI, the government could allow it to function.