Steps to Start a Pathology Lab in India

The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India. Due to the increasing population, and citizens becoming more conscious about their health, India has become home to a large number of advanced hospitals and high-end diagnostic centres. Moreover, since the majority of the treatment decisions are based on the pathology results, it has increased the demand for diagnostic centres or pathology labs in the country. 

Therefore, if you are a medical professional, starting your own pathology lab can prove to be a lucrative business idea. However, setting up a pathology lab is not an easy task. You’ll have to put in a lot of effort and research before you go ahead with starting your own pathology lab in India.

You are eligible to start a pathology lab in India, if:

• You have a Master's Degree in Pathology or a recognised medical degree like MBBS from the Medical Council of India (MCI)

• Have a licence to practise pathology from the MCI

Let us have a quick look at some of the steps on how to start a pathology lab in India:

1. Conduct Thorough Planning and Research

Proper planning in advance can help you minimise your financial losses if things don’t go your way:

• Spend time researching the right location for your pathology lab

• Make sure that the location you choose is in a hygienic area

• Ensure the location is easily accessible to the people

• Ensure you have the required capital for the initial set-up

• Keep the documents required for the pathology lab handy

2. Set Up the Right Infrastructure and Medical Equipment

You must ensure that your pathology lab has all the required facilities and adheres to National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) standards.

Check you have the right facilities in your lab, such as: 

• Reception counter

• Clean restrooms

• Lift-services

• Wheelchairs

• Storage areas

• Diagnostic equipments

• Computers and Printers

Also, you will have to make sure that your pathology lab has all the required equipment including blood collection equipment, X-ray machines, CT-scan machines, USG machines, heart monitors, etc. 

You must also take care of peripherals that include microscopes, blood cell counters, centrifuge, regent and chemicals, dispensing scale, deep fridge, etc. to ensure that the quality delivered by your pathology lab is excellent.

3. Hire Qualified Staff for Your Pathology Lab

You should hire experienced and well-qualified staff to run your pathology lab. Make sure that you have a recruitment plan handy for hiring the right people. Go for qualified staff including biochemists, microbiologists, assistant pathologists, and lab technicians, who have relevant degrees or diplomas in medical lab technology.

In addition to the technician team, you might require administrative staff, HR, accountants and housekeeping personnel, to ensure the success of your pathology lab.

4. Get the Necessary Licences and Registrations

To set up your own pathology lab, you will require a pathology licence. The lab registration is also a crucial step. You need to register as a proprietor, limited liability enterprise, or partnership firm. According to the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, these licences vary from one business to another. 

However, you must take legal measures and apply for a pathology licence before starting your pathology lab. You must also register your lab with the government authorities before starting its construction and certification. 

Some of the licences required to set up a lab are mentioned below:

• Certification from National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)

• Certification from Good Clinical Practices (GCP)

• Registration with Shops and Establishments Act

• Registration with the Clinical Establishment Act

• Registration with biomedical waste disposal body

• Approval for waste generation from state pollution board

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department

• NOC from municipality

5. Secure Financing for Your Pathology Lab

Setting up a pathology lab requires a large amount of money. Right from infrastructure development, equipment purchase to hiring employees and paying them, you will have to take care of various expenses while starting your own pathology lab. 

The overall cost of your pathology lab may depend on how technologically advanced you wish your pathology lab to be. Since arranging a huge amount can be a tedious task, you can consider availing a business loan for doctors. Nowadays, with leading financial institutions, you can apply for business loans online from the comfort of your home.

Various financial institutions offer doctor loans at attractive interest rates. Moreover, if you have a high credit score, you can avail a higher loan amount at an even more reasonable rate of interest. It is advisable to check your doctor loan eligibility before applying for a doctor loan. This will reduce the chances of rejection. To arrange the finances for setting up your pathology lab, you can opt for a doctor loan available at Bajaj Markets.

Starting a pathology lab in India requires careful planning, right infrastructure, skilled staff, proper licensing, and secure finances. By following the steps mentioned above, you can build a standard pathology lab that meets regulatory recommendations and provides quality healthcare services. Following the process with accurate planning and attention to detail will be beneficial while setting up the lab.