Healthcare regulatory bodies are preparing to move against unauthorized ultrasound reporting so that diagnostic work meets professional qualification rules and patients are better protected, sources said. The planned illegal ultrasound action follows worries that formal scan reports are being issued without the postgraduate radiology credentials regulators recognise.
Short courses and the Sonologist title
According to sources, concern has grown over doctors who hold an MBBS — the basic medical degree — then take short certificate courses or informal ultrasonography training and style themselves as Sonologists to sign formal ultrasound reports. That practice sits outside what the bodies want for diagnostic reporting, sources indicated.
Reports of scans done by inadequately trained or unauthorised people in hospitals and clinics have raised fears of inaccurate findings, misdiagnosis and delays in the right treatment. Individuals who run examinations after brief courses without meeting required professional standards may give misleading results and put patients at risk, sources said.
Who should issue formal reports
Sources said the concerned bodies are considering steps so that diagnostic ultrasound reporting is done by appropriately qualified radiologists with recognised postgraduate qualifications, subject to registration and regulatory rules. An official document lists FCPS, MD, MCPS and DMRD in Radiology — advanced radiology degrees and diplomas — with recognition by the relevant authorities treated as essential.
Authorities are also expected to advise MBBS practitioners to stay within their authorised scope of practice and not issue formal diagnostic reports without the required qualifications and approval. Sources added that professionals in medicine, nursing and allied health must keep to their legally permitted roles and avoid independent ultrasound reporting without the requisite authorisation.
Inspections, penalties and public calls
Violations may invite regulatory action, including inspections and financial penalties, sources said, while urging healthcare providers to follow applicable rules. Citizens have called for ultrasound examinations and diagnostic reporting to be handled only by appropriately trained and authorised professionals so results are accurate and care is safer.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Health regulators unauthorized ultrasound report aur illegal reporting rokne ka irada rakhte hain. Short course ya informal training se Sonologist likh kar formal report dena concern ka sabab bana hai. Formal report ke liye recognised radiology qualifications, jaise FCPS ya MD Radiology, zaroori bataye gaye hain. Galat report se ghalat ilaj ya der ho sakti hai, is liye rules ki pabandi zaroori hai.
