Hyderabad: A wrong diagnostic report can do more than create confusion for a patient — it can alter the course of treatment itself. Yet, in Nirmal town, diagnostic centres and laboratories are being set up without proper registration, with some operators relying more on their experience in the field than on the mandatory legal requirements.
In some cases, they were relying on their practical experience and familiarity with diagnostic procedures while giving less importance to formal qualifications and registration requirements,” said officials. “Some people with experience of working in diagnostic centres or laboratories were setting up such facilities to cater to local demand. The concerns also extend to the growing dependence on diagnostic tests. There have been allegations that some doctors have financial or investment links with diagnostic centres and refer patients for tests even when they may not be necessary. Such practices, if established, can increase the financial burden on patients and contribute to diagnostic centres remaining crowded.
Under the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, medical and diagnostic establishments are required to register before starting operations. Because diagnostic reports form an important basis for doctors while deciding treatment, the issue assumes significance. The registration is intended to ensure that such centres meet prescribed requirements and that the services offered to patients are subject to regulatory oversight. However, officials of the district medical and health department have found that some centres were functioning without registration. If a patient receives an incorrect report, the doctor may prescribe treatment based on that report. Instead of helping the patient, such treatment could have adverse consequences, particularly when the underlying condition is different from what the report indicates.