District admin issues closure notice to four labs

From our Correspondent

Jorhat, March 27 : Acting on the inspection report on clinical laboratory, diagnostic centers in Jorhat district submitted by Circle Officer of West Revenue Circle and Executive Magistrate Utpal Doley March 12, the Jorhat District administration has ordered the immediate closure of four diagnostics centers in Jorhat (vide office order No JP/33/09/Pt-II/2) today for lack of basic minimum requirements/infrastructural facilities.

The diagnostic centers facing closure notice with immediate effect are Astha Radiological/Pathological Unit at Balibat, Jorhat which was running without basic infrastructure and manpower/machinery. Second "Sun" Diagnostic Center at A.T Road opposite to the office of Joint Director of Health Services, Jorhat that was functioning without any qualified pathologist/microbiologists and laboratory technician besides lack of other infrastructural facilities and Third Jyoti Collection Center at Titabor which was running without qualified staffs and proper infrastructure besides Jibon Jyoti Laboratory at Titabor which was also running without minimum infrastructure and staffs and machines.

It may be mentioned that following public complaint that these labs lacked infrastructure and run by unqualified persons some of whom were without medical/technical certificates, the District administration ordered an immediate inspection by a high level committee under the Executive Magistrate Utpal Doley who was supported by a team of pathologists/radiologists from JMCH and GMCH. The team conducted the sudden checks at many private laboratories and diagnostic centers on March 24 and submitted the fil report.

Sources in the district administration said that these laboratories would not be allowed to function till conclusion of discipliry action under Section 12 of Assam Health Establishment Act, 1993.

Dr Mril Hazarika, owner of the Astha Diagnostic, however, cried foul over the biased decision of the district administration that had ordered the labs closure along with other three centers.

Talking to The Sentinel, Dr Mril Hazarika said, "There was a surprise check on March 24 in my laboratory when I was performing an ultrasound. Though my laboratory might have some shortage of infrastructure but I had apprised the Joint Director of Health Dr Mubidur Rahman as well as the ADC (Health) Bubul Lekharu to give us a chance to improve our facilities. And though the duo promised me of help but today they ordered the closure of my laboratory."