While until now, lab reports could only be signed by qualified doctors with an MD Pathology degree, the MCI has recently advised the Union Health Ministry to allow non-medicos with postgraduate degrees in Microbiology and Biochemistry to issue them as well.

A letter issued by the MCI Secretary General stated that path reports without recording a medical opinion can be signed by a MSc Biochemistry or Medical Microbology or PhD degree holder. However, the recommendation has brought up strong opposition from pathologists across the country. The Maharashtra Association of Practicing Pathologists and Microbiologists have also condemned MCI's move, stating that if this becomes a law, MBBS students will no longer opt for postgraduate medical courses in Pathology. The MCI Board of Governors, meanwhile, has provided a clarification stating that it has proposed this recommendation after considering the matter at length.

Information for this news was sourced from The Times of India. Read the original here.