Unregulated pathology labs under Health Minister’s radar; inspection orders issued

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The growing number of unregulated pathology labs operating in small lanes and localities has come under the scrutiny of the Health Department. With no mandatory registration or permission required, several unauthorized labs are reportedly functioning, raising concerns over misuse, including links to illegal abortion cases.

The issue gained urgency after a lab operator was found involved in an abortion racket. It has also been revealed that many labs in the district are neither registered with the health department nor the municipal corporation, leaving them unchecked. Following a report published on April 30 on illegal abortions and unregistered labs, the state government has taken serious note. Public health minister Prakash Abitkar told media that inspections of pathology labs will be conducted and action will follow.

Legal changes underway The government has begun amending laws related to lab registration. Officials said mandatory registration rules will soon be introduced, along with inspection orders and strict action against fake doctors and technicians operating such facilities.