Illegal patho labs in Balasore raise doubt on healthcare service

Balasore: More than 180 unregistered pathology laboratories are functioning in Balasore town raising questions on healthcare service in the locality.

As the patho lab at the Balasore government hospital remains open for four hours only, patients mostly depend on the privately-run labs.

Expressing resentment over non-clearance of local authorities to his patho lab, Laxmikant Panda said, “Despite submission of necessary documents six months ago, I don’t know why the CDMO has not granted a go-ahead.”

Ratikant Patra, a local, said, “The small patho labs usually do not have qualified pathologists to undertake microscopic tests. Patients are left to suffer as doctors mostly prescribe on the basis of reports prepared by such patho labs.”

Only eight patho labs in the town are registered.

Balasore CDMO Vivekananda Das said he doesn’t have any information on illegally running patho labs, but would undertake verification as per the Clinical Establishment rules. “Action will be taken against those who do not adhere to the guidelines,” the CDMO added.