Mohammad Hanif Khan
Across Jammu and Kashmir, a hidden crisis is jeopardizing lives: the proliferation of unqualified, unregulated diagnostic laboratories. These facilities, meant to deliver medical accuracy, are instead becoming hubs of uncertainty, operating without proper equipment, trained personnel, or oversight. From bustling Srinagar to remote districts, these labs are turning healthcare into a dangerous gamble.
A Growing Threat
Investigations reveal that numerous diagnostic centers operate without mandatory registration under the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act. Often tucked into small rooms, chemist shops, or private clinics, these setups conduct critical tests—complete blood counts (CBC), liver function, thyroid profiles—without qualified supervision.
More alarming, some registered pathologists allegedly lend their credentials to these illegal operations for monthly payments, signing reports they never review. This unethical practice transforms trusted professionals into complicit partners in a perilous scheme, violating medical ethics and endangering lives.
Cheap Tests, Costly Consequences
The allure of affordability drives patients to these unregulated labs. A CBC test costing ₹400–₹500 at a certified center is offered for ₹150–₹200 at an unauthorized one. Liver function tests, priced at ₹800–₹1000 in reputable labs, drop to ₹300–₹400 in these setups.
But the savings come at a steep price. Uncalibrated machines, unhygienic conditions, and untrained staff produce unreliable results, leading to misdiagnoses and harmful treatments. For patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, a single erroneous report can delay critical care or worsen their health.
A senior physician at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar shared, “We see patients with reports from these labs that are completely unreliable. Misdiagnoses have caused conditions to deteriorate. This isn’t just a problem—it’s a public health emergency.”
Regulatory Failures
The Clinical Establishments Act mandates registration and regular inspections for diagnostic labs, yet enforcement is woefully inadequate. Health officials cite a shortage of inspectors and poor coordination between local and central authorities. Political patronage and corruption further shield these labs, with complaints rarely leading to inspections or meaningful penalties.
A former health officer, speaking anonymously, revealed, “Everyone knows who runs these labs. Some are operated by former hospital assistants or pharmacists with no pathology training.”
The Human Toll
The most vulnerable—daily-wage earners, villagers, pregnant women, and the elderly—are hit hardest. Lacking access to quality healthcare, they turn to these low-cost labs, unaware of the risks. For them, a false report can mean delayed treatment or worse.
Expert Solutions
Public health experts urge immediate action to address this crisis.
Key recommendations include:
- Statewide Crackdown: Seal unregistered labs and prosecute those involved.
- Pathologist Accountability: Impose strict penalties, including license suspension, for professionals enabling illegal labs.
- Public Awareness: Launch media and hospital campaigns to educate people about certified labs.
- Strengthened Public Facilities: Expand diagnostic services in government hospitals to reduce reliance on private labs.
- Digital Transparency: Create an online portal listing all registered diagnostic centers for public verification.
A Call to Action
“Diagnostic testing isn’t a game of chance—it’s a matter of life and death,” said a senior medical officer in Srinagar. Without rigorous monitoring, transparent licensing, and decisive action against unethical practices, Kashmir’s healthcare system remains at risk. Every unreliable test is a roll of the dice with someone’s life.
The government must act swiftly to restore trust in diagnostics, ensuring only qualified, certified labs operate. Until then, this silent threat will continue to undermine public health, one faulty report at a time.
