Those with an MSc degree or doctorate (PhD) in the field of pathology, medical microbiology, medical biochemistry, medical genetics, biotechnology, immunology, molecular biology and applied biology with at least three years' training or work experience in a medical diagnostic laboratory, have been now allowed to conduct the tests, generate and sign test reports of tests of their respective specialty. However, they will not be allowed to give any opinion or interpretation of laboratory results.
In 2017, they were barred from signing the diagnostic reports.
The Union Health Ministry has issued a notification regarding the role of an authorized signatory following the green signal from the Board of Governors in supersession of the Medical Council of India (MCI). As per the notification, MSc with PhD qualification in the field of
pathology, medical microbiology, medical biochemistry, medical genetics, biotechnology, immunology, molecular biology, applied biology having experience of at least three years post PhD in a laboratory of same or higher level in a Government/recognised medical college or hospital shall be entitled to conduct the tests, generate and sign test reports in respect of tests of their respective specialty in medium and advanced medical laboratories, without recording any opinion or interpretation of lab results.
Dr Sridhar Rao, president, National M.Sc Medical Teachers' Association who had been fighting on behalf of the stream, welcomed the move.