The Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Central Government regarding alleged “illegal practices” by pathological laboratories. The notice comes in response to a petition highlighting concerns about unethical and illegal activities in the functioning of these laboratories. The petitioner raised issues such as overcharging patients, conducting unnecessary tests, and violating norms related to medical tests.
NEW DELHI: Today (8th April): The Delhi High Court issued notices to the Centre, the Delhi government, and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) that alleges the illegal collection of blood and other samples by pathological laboratories, as well as the issuance of false medical reports.
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The Delhi High Court bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora, has directed the Centre, NABL, the Delhi government’s Department of Health and Family Welfare, and other concerned authorities to respond to the PIL. The court has also summoned the Central Bureau of Investigation, Delhi Police, and the accused pathological labs and their senior functionaries. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 30.
Background:
A petitioner named Vipul Goel filed a PIL seeking an investigation and appropriate action against pathological labs accused of conspiring to collect samples and conduct tests illegally. According to the petitioner, these labs have been issuing false medical reports, resulting in the fraudulent collection of over Rs 150 crore. The petitioner’s counsel, advocate Radhika Goel, highlighted that many of these labs lack the necessary permissions and accreditation from relevant authorities.
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The PIL alleges that these labs have operated without proper permissions and have misused public funds for personal gain. The petitioner, who had previously utilized the services of some of these labs, stated that he had made numerous complaints and sent emails to concerned authorities but received no response.
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The counsel representing NABL informed the court that it had withdrawn the accreditation granted to one of the labs mentioned in the petition last year.
