‘Illegal’ clinical labs fleecing patients

TOBA TEK SINGH: Dozens of clinical laboratories in the district are

allegedly being run by non-technical staff.

During a survey by reporters, it was revealed that more than 100 laboratories had been set up in different areas of the district but were not registered with the health department. These labs allegedly fleeced patients and issued unauthentic test reports to them.

Although these labs had advertised and claimed they were run by qualified and experienced staff, their staffers had no diploma or certificate declaring them qualified technicians. They were also charging different rates for tests without displaying rate lists.

When contacted, District Officer (Health) Dr Muhammad Khalid claimed deputy district officers (health) often raided and took legal action against “illegal clinical laboratories”. He added his department had not fixed rates for clinical tests at laboratories.

Locals demanded the Punjab health secretary take prompt action to eliminate illegal and unregistered clinical laboratories in the district.