Petlawad pathology labs face probe over falsified blood test results

Serious concerns have been raised about private pathology laboratories in Petlawad, a tribal region in Madhya Pradesh. Amargarh Sarpanch Pintu Singh Bhuria has accused several facilities of major inconsistencies in test reports and failure to meet government standards. His complaints have now triggered an official investigation into the matter. The issue came to light after Bhuria highlighted a case involving Patidar Diagnostic. Blood test results from the same patient showed drastic changes within 24 hours. Haemoglobin levels reportedly jumped from 7.9 gm to 11.02 gm, while red blood cell and platelet counts also varied significantly. Bhuria argued that such fluctuations were medically impossible and called for an inquiry.

Bhuria formally lodged complaints with the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CBMO), local police, and the tehsildar. He also claimed that many laboratories in the region were operating without proper oversight. Petlawad Civil Hospital’s Block Medical Officer (BMO), Dr ML Chopra, later confirmed that only a handful of labs held official approval. The approved facilities include Choyal Hospital, Ma Hospital, Suman Hospital, Agarwal Hospital, and Jain Pathology. In September 2024, the Madhya Pradesh Health Department had issued a directive requiring all pathology labs to be supervised by qualified pathologists—those with postgraduate degrees or diplomas in pathology after completing their MBBS. Bhuria’s allegations suggest widespread non-compliance with this rule. An inquiry team has now been formed to examine Bhuria’s complaint and inspect other laboratories in the area. The investigation will focus on whether the facilities meet regulatory standards and whether test results have been manipulated.

The inquiry aims to determine if private labs in Petlawad have violated health regulations. If discrepancies are confirmed, further action could be taken against non-compliant facilities. The outcome may also lead to stricter enforcement of the state’s pathology supervision rules.