BARAMULLA: A private diagnostic laboratory in Baramulla has been sealed by the Health Department after an allegedly erroneous thyroid test report issued to a 10-year-old boy triggered an official inspection, bringing the functioning of private clinical laboratories in the district under scrutiny.
The incident has also renewed concerns among residents over the rapid growth of private diagnostic laboratories, with calls for stricter regulation, regular inspections and action against any unethical practices.
According to the child’s family, the boy, a resident of Naushera, Boniyar in Uri, was taken to Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla for medical consultation. The attending doctor advised a thyroid profile test, following which the family approached a private diagnostic laboratory located near the hospital.
The laboratory reportedly showed the child’s Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level at 10, indicating a possible thyroid disorder. However, the treating doctor allegedly found the result inconsistent with the child’s clinical condition and advised the family to repeat the investigation.
The family subsequently got the thyroid profile tested at two other private laboratories. According to the reports shared by the family, the child’s TSH values were recorded at 2.91 and 1.35, both within the normal range.
“We were extremely worried after seeing the first report because it suggested our son had a thyroid disorder. The doctor advised us to repeat the test elsewhere. The subsequent reports were completely different. Had we relied only on the first report, our child might have undergone unnecessary treatment,” the boy’s father, Irshad Ahmad, said.
Following the circulation of the incident on social media, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Baramulla, constituted an inspection team headed by the In-charge District Health Officer, Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Shah, along with the concerned Block Medical Officer, to inquire into the matter.
According to official sources, the inspection team found violations of prescribed health and regulatory norms during its inspection. Acting on the findings, the Health Department sealed the laboratory and initiated further legal and departmental proceedings. The specific violations have not yet been made public.
The incident has also drawn attention to the increasing number of private diagnostic laboratories operating in Baramulla.
Several residents alleged that some laboratories lack adequate quality assurance mechanisms and called for stricter monitoring by the authorities.
Some patients and attendants also alleged that persons claiming to represent private laboratories approach patients outside the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Government Medical College Baramulla and persuade them to undergo diagnostic tests at particular laboratories. These allegations could not be independently verified.
“It is common to see people approaching patients after they come out of the OPD and recommending specific laboratories. If such practices are taking place, the authorities should investigate them,” said Raja Begum, a patient waiting outside the hospital.
Another attendant, Asima Bano, said incorrect diagnostic reports could have serious consequences for patients.
“Many poor families spend a significant amount on medical investigations. Accurate laboratory reports are essential for proper treatment,” she said.
Prof. Jalal Din, a resident of Baramulla, said laboratory reports play a crucial role in medical decision-making.
“An inaccurate report can lead to unnecessary medication, delayed diagnosis and avoidable financial and emotional distress. Diagnostic services must function with proper accountability,” he said.
Another resident, Manzoor Ahmad, called for regular inspections of diagnostic laboratories.
“Private laboratories have increased considerably over the years. Periodic quality audits and surprise inspections are necessary to ensure compliance with prescribed standards,” he said.
Medical experts say laboratory investigations form the basis of diagnosis and treatment in many cases, making accuracy and quality control essential for patient safety.
The incident has prompted demands from residents for a comprehensive audit of private diagnostic laboratories across the district, including verification of registrations, equipment, quality standards and the qualifications of technical staff. They have also urged the authorities to examine allegations of unauthorised referrals and take action wherever violations are established.
Residents have further called for stronger regulatory oversight, periodic inspections and strict enforcement of licensing and quality standards to restore public confidence in diagnostic services.
