Hyderabad: The Medical Council of India has stated that only allopathic doctors can sign diagnostic reports in laboratories. The MCI told the National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories that a doctor with an MBBS degree, an MD in pathology, biochemistry or microbiology can certify laboratory reports. Doctors holding degrees in alternative medicine streams cannot sign the reports.

The MCI has barred candidates with MSc or PhD in applied sciences, life sciences, medical microbiology, medical biochemistry, cytogenetics and biotechnology from certifying the reports. The issue was referred to the MCI after practitioners in pathology and microbiology staged a protest as they were found ineligible to be recruited by diagnostic centres. According to an estimate, 80 per cent of laboratory reports are being certified by science graduates and PhDs. The NABL took up the issue with the MCI following a letter on the issue written by secretary of health and family welfare.

Diagnostic centres seek NABL accreditation to maintain quality standards but this clause is now proving to be a hitch. A senior MCI member said several meetings had been held on the issue before it was decided by the council’s ethics committee that lab reports must be signed or countersigned by doctors registered with the MCI or the state medical council. Dr Vijay Krishna, a general physician, said, “Science students are not qualified to certify reports. An accredited centre has to maintain quality. Accurate diagnosis must be carried out for proper treatment.”