Mumbai: After a doctor was found working in the ICU of a civic-run hospital without registration with the Maharashtra Medical Council, at least 13 laboratory technicians at K.B. Bhabha Municipal General Hospital, Bandra, have been found operating without the mandatory Maharashtra Paramedical Council (MPC) registration.
Council Directs Immediate Compliance
The MPC has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to ensure the immediate registration of these 13 technicians, who are allegedly working in violation of the Maharashtra Paramedical Council Act, 2011, which mandates registration for all paramedical professionals in the state.
According to an official letter received by the Council on May 13, 2025, the technicians have failed to comply with the provisions of the Act. The Council also reminded the BMC that earlier communications had instructed all municipal establishments to ensure that paramedical technicians, officers, and assistants are registered. Despite these directives, the latest correspondence revealed continued non-compliance.
Wide Scope of MPC Registration
The MPC, operational since 2019, registers 21 categories of paramedical professionals, including laboratory, radiology, X-ray, blood bank, optometry, and cardiology technicians. Authorities have also advised amending recruitment rules to make registration a prerequisite for paramedical appointments in government, semi-government, and municipal bodies.
Officials warned that practising without registration, except as permitted under the Act, could lead to legal action under Section 31(2) of the Maharashtra Paramedical Council Act, 2011. The BMC has been asked to take prompt action to ensure that all qualified paramedical staff obtain the required registration.
BMC’s Response Awaited
An RTI query revealed that 13 laboratory technicians at Bandra Bhabha Hospital have been working without registration, prompting a complaint to the Paramedical Council, followed by a written communication to the MPC.
The Free Press Journal attempted to contact Sharad Ughade, DMC (Health), but calls and messages to him went unanswered.
