Medall Laboratory’s testing license revoked as test results were fudged and misreported in ICMR portal
Coimbatore: On analyzing ICMR portal entry pertaining to entry of COVID-19 tested samples it is revealed that the following issues are identified in the laboratory noted in the dispatch entry as follows:
1. The results of the RT PCR samples for COVID 19 received from the City of Calcutta are uploaded as samples received from Kallakurichi, TN
2. Around 4000 samples tested negative for COVID are uploaded as positive in the ICMR portal on 19.05.2021 and 20.05.2021.
3. There are a lot of incomplete details found in the line list of positive cases entered daily. In this regard it is clearly observed that the laboratory is against the guidelines issued by the Government and ICMR and the laboratory functioned with vested interest and negligent attitude.
The said act of the laboratory has created an unfavourable environment in the efforts against COVID pandemic as follows:
1. The laboratory noted in the dispatch entry hasn't followed the due procedure laid down by the ICMR and Government of India
2. The uploading of positive results of samples received from outside Tamil Nadu in Tamil Nadu account has led to the undue increase in case load and positivity of TN. This has spoiled the sincere efforts taken by the State in dealing with COVID 19 pandemic.
3. The wrong reporting of results may lead to wrong calculation of resource allocation by the Government of India. Thus, the said laboratory has hindered the steps taken by the Union and State Government in controlling the COVID pandemic.
4. The uploading of negative results as positive led to undue confusion, panic, anxiety and stress among the general public. This is an act of nuisance for the people for whom wrong results are declared.
5. The Government suspects the presence of a nexus between the laboratory and hospitals. The wrong reports may be used to invite patients to the hospitals and subsequently medical bills shall be earned by the hospital.
6. The incomplete details in the report delays the identification of positive cases and hinder the Government steps in containing the spread.
Hence it is ordered that, the permission to test RT PCR samples for SARS CoV-2 (COVID 19) to the laboratory noted in despatch entry stands cancelled with immediate effect until further orders under the above said provisions of Tamil Nadu Public Health ACT 1939. The Managing Director of the said laboratory is instructed to submit a detailed explanation for the above (S.No 1-6) to the undersigned authority within a period of 3 working days after receipt of this notice. The permission to the said laboratory for testing RT PCR samples for SARS CoV-2 (COVID 19) will be decided after inspection by the Public Health team nominated by the undersigned authority.
1. The results of the RT PCR samples for COVID 19 received from the City of Calcutta are uploaded as samples received from Kallakurichi, TN
2. Around 4000 samples tested negative for COVID are uploaded as positive in the ICMR portal on 19.05.2021 and 20.05.2021.
3. There are a lot of incomplete details found in the line list of positive cases entered daily. In this regard it is clearly observed that the laboratory is against the guidelines issued by the Government and ICMR and the laboratory functioned with vested interest and negligent attitude.
The said act of the laboratory has created an unfavourable environment in the efforts against COVID pandemic as follows:
1. The laboratory noted in the dispatch entry hasn't followed the due procedure laid down by the ICMR and Government of India
2. The uploading of positive results of samples received from outside Tamil Nadu in Tamil Nadu account has led to the undue increase in case load and positivity of TN. This has spoiled the sincere efforts taken by the State in dealing with COVID 19 pandemic.
3. The wrong reporting of results may lead to wrong calculation of resource allocation by the Government of India. Thus, the said laboratory has hindered the steps taken by the Union and State Government in controlling the COVID pandemic.
4. The uploading of negative results as positive led to undue confusion, panic, anxiety and stress among the general public. This is an act of nuisance for the people for whom wrong results are declared.
5. The Government suspects the presence of a nexus between the laboratory and hospitals. The wrong reports may be used to invite patients to the hospitals and subsequently medical bills shall be earned by the hospital.
6. The incomplete details in the report delays the identification of positive cases and hinder the Government steps in containing the spread.
Hence it is ordered that, the permission to test RT PCR samples for SARS CoV-2 (COVID 19) to the laboratory noted in despatch entry stands cancelled with immediate effect until further orders under the above said provisions of Tamil Nadu Public Health ACT 1939. The Managing Director of the said laboratory is instructed to submit a detailed explanation for the above (S.No 1-6) to the undersigned authority within a period of 3 working days after receipt of this notice. The permission to the said laboratory for testing RT PCR samples for SARS CoV-2 (COVID 19) will be decided after inspection by the Public Health team nominated by the undersigned authority.