Minutes of online meeting of IAPM Kerala chapter with the Kerala State Medical Laboratory Owners Association (MLOA) on 9/7/2025

*Agenda: Discussion on standardisation of laboratory rates for tests signed out by Pathologists.

 Meeting started at 8.00 pm, 9/7/2025 on zoom platform with 66 participants. 

 Dr Neena Mampilly, the President IAPM Kerala chapter, welcomed the participants and initiated the discussion explaining the need of the meeting.
 It was pointed out that the rates of various pathology investigations were not revised for years in many labs and hospitals across the state.

 Mr Rajeesh Kumar, Joint Secretary of Kerala State Lab Owners association stated that they were making efforts to make the rates of lab investigations uniform across Kerala since 2010, but it was not acceptable in various districts and there was a difference in opinion with corporate labs. There exists a significant variation in rate of same investigation among districts

 Rates of pathology investigations decided by IAPM Kerala chapter was presented which was agreed by the MLOA, but requested that this rate need to be accepted by corporate labs like DDRC, Metropolis and Lal Path.

 Dr Rajan, former IAPM president explained in detail, the difficulties faced by junior pathologists regarding their pay. A histopathology report being the final diagnosis and its importance in patient management in the present scenario is very much dependent on the number of sections studied by the pathologist which requires much knowledge (gained during 4 years of residency), expertise and time. Diagnostic quality is very much compromised in the rate followed now as the number of sections studied have to be restricted to reduce the financial burden of the labs. Moreover, in the present rates followed, pathologist is at a loss as his/her expertise in speciality is not financially acknowledged adequately. This issue can be solved by increasing the rates of many investigations reasonably as these rates have not been revised for many years. This was supported by participants.

 Mr pratap Vasu, MLO State secretary stated that number of FNAC and big biopsy received in level 2 labs are decreasing while peripheral smears contribute majority of pathology samples.

 He also said that the proposed rate of some investigations like PS is almost double and suggested a discussion with the private hospital association, pathologists of chain labs and labs in neighbouring states for a fruitful decision.

 Dr Gowri said that many private hospitals reduce the biopsy rate and compensate it by increasing the surgery fee. Many hospitals outsource the biopsy samples at cheaper rates and there exists a competition among labs to do at lower rate leading to compromising the quality of biopsy report.

 Dr Neena Mampilly requested MLO to support IAPM Kerala chapter in the process of standardisation of laboratory rates for tests signed out by Pathologists and giving adequate pay to the junior pathologists.

 MLO association gave their full support to IAPM Kerala chapter for revising the rates of investigations and increasing the pay of junior pathologists.

The meeting ended at 8.40 pm