Mangaluru Health Department Takes Action Against Unauthorised Blood Testing Facility
In a decisive move to uphold medical standards, health department officials conducted a raid and sealed an unauthorised blood testing laboratory in Vittal, located within the Dakshina Kannada district, on Saturday. The action follows a formal complaint that exposed serious irregularities in the clinic's operations.
Complaint Reveals Discrepancies and Lack of Documentation
The case came to light when complainant Sharath Shetty underwent a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test at the Raksha Clinic & Laboratory in Vittal. Dissatisfied with the results, Shetty sought a second opinion by getting his blood tested at another facility. Significant discrepancies were identified between the two reports, raising immediate concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the lab's findings.
Further investigation revealed that the clinic had been issuing medical reports without the mandatory signatures of qualified personnel. This critical lapse in protocol prompted Shetty to file a formal complaint with the district health and family welfare officer, demanding action against the establishment for compromising patient safety.
Official Inquiry and Swift Enforcement Action
Following the complaint, the taluk health officer (THO) of Bantwal and the district planning development officer, who also serves as the Bantwal taluk nodal officer, were directed to conduct a thorough inquiry. The officials promptly investigated the allegations and submitted a detailed report confirming the violations.
Based on this report, a team led by district enforcement officer Dr. Deepa Prabhu and THO Dr. Ashok Kumar Rai, along with supporting staff, visited the clinic for an on-site inspection. During their assessment, officials discovered that the clinic was operating without the required Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) registration, a legal mandate for all private medical facilities in the state.
Consequently, the officials, with assistance from the Vittal police, immediately shut down and sealed the clinic to prevent any further unauthorized medical activities.
District Health Officer Vows Strict Future Measures
District Health Officer Dr. Thimmaiah HR emphasized the seriousness of the violation, stating that strict action will be taken against any such unauthorised establishments found operating in the district in the future under the provisions of the KPME Act. This statement underscores the department's commitment to ensuring that all medical facilities adhere to regulatory standards to protect public health.
The incident highlights the critical importance of regulatory compliance in the healthcare sector and serves as a warning to other establishments operating without proper authorization. The health department's proactive response demonstrates its dedication to maintaining integrity and safety in medical services across Dakshina Kannada.
