Mangaluru: A surprise inspection drive by the Health Department on Saturday exposed serious lapses in the functioning of several medical laboratories in the city.
The checks, mainly conducted in the Hampankatta region, revealed that many diagnostic labs were operating either with expired licenses or in complete violation of established protocols. Officials found that biomedical waste was not being managed or disposed of according to safety norms, posing potential health and environmental hazards.
Several labs were issued notices for breaching operational guidelines and failing to renew essential documentation. Authorities stressed that strict action will follow if compliance is not ensured swiftly.
In a major enforcement move, a diagnostic lab in Deralakatte was sealed for running without any valid license. The lab had already been warned earlier but continued operations in defiance of regulations. The sealing underscores the department’s zero-tolerance stance toward repeated violations.
The inspection team was led by District Health Officer Dr Thimmaiah and included senior officials Dr Deepa Prabhu and Dr Chirag, among others. The officials emphasized that such inspections would continue across the district to ensure patient safety and adherence to legal standards.
The Health Department urged all medical labs to update their licenses and strictly follow biomedical waste protocols, warning that non-compliance would attract penalties, including closure.