While the state Health Department is busy charting plans to make Gujarat emerge as a medical tourism destination, the continuing web of illegal labs in the state poses a constant threat to patients both within and outside the state. Many of these labs seem to be high-tech in nature with all sophisticated equipment, but are run by practitioners who lack qualification.

The IMA (Indian Medical Association) clearly states that only qualified MD (Pathologist) or DCP (Diploma in Clinic Pathology) degree holders can be granted authorisation when he/she sets up a lab with up-to-date instruments and qualified staff. It further states that most of the illegal laboratories are opened by BSC graduates who later acquire a Diploma in Medical Lab Technique. They are unauthorised to run pathology labs and can only work as helpers. According to MCI rules, the practice of pathology cannot be permitted to the holder of a DMLT.

While pathologists across the city may have been demanding pulling down the shutters on illegal laboratories and have even taken to the streets several times in this regard, there has hardly been any difference on the ground.

Sadhana Kothari, president of the Association of Practising Pathologists and Microbiologists (APPM), Ahmedabad said: “These illegal labs play with the lives of many. At times, the public is fooled at the appearance of the labs, as they flaunt costly equipment. Though the laboratory reports are sometimes signed, they cannot be held valid. While a person with a DMLT may be able to do a blood or a urine test, they cannot do biopsy, diagnose cancer and other complicated diseases, where the entire treatment depends on the pathology reports.”

Rajendra Lalwani, another member of the association said at a dharna organised on Sunday: “The government is yet to clear its stand on the issue. We have not received any assurance from the Health Department as well.”