Technician heads pathology lab in Kasturba Hospital

In total contravention of rules, a technician is heading the pathology laboratory of BMC-run Kasturba Hospital. Responding to an RTI query of an independent pathologist, the hospital confirmed that unavailability of a certified pathologist or even an MBBS doctor has forced it to let the technician man the laboratory.

The applicant, who requested anonymity, had filed an RTI query in March 2016. The applicant had asked if the hospital has a pathology laboratory, name of the doctor heading the same and the timings of the laboratory. “The hospital responded saying that the lab technician is heading the pathology laboratory, which plays an important role in diagnosing a number of diseases or ailments,” said the applicant. He said he was shocked by the response of the hospital.

Pathologists working at BMC hospitals said that the irregularity may play a major detrimental role as the technician does not have the qualifications of a doctor and can probably fail to diagnose a certain infection or haemoglobin count.

“MCI (Medical Council of India) rules clearly indicate that only a certified pathologist can run a pathology laboratory. However BMC still fails to understand the importance of a medical expert, who has the experience of studying microorganisms or parasites. A technician can possibly falter in diagnosing the patterns,” said another pathologist.

The applicant said that the officials should at least hire an MBBS doctor if they are unable to avail a senior pathologist for the post.

“Less salaries, possible transfers and internal politics is the reason why senior doctors turn their back on BMC jobs. Even last year the officials had planned to fill the vacant posts of doctors across the town by recruiting Special Medical Officers but they failed to do so as there were no applicants. But this way the hospital is risking the lives of patients,” said the applicant.