Health regulators are preparing to act against the practice of issuing ultrasound reports by individuals lacking proper qualifications, aiming to protect patient safety, sources said.
Sources noted that some MBBS doctors have taken short-term certificate courses or informal ultrasonography training and then adopt the title "Sonologist" to produce formal reports.
The agencies are weighing steps to ensure that diagnostic ultrasound reporting is performed by radiologists who hold recognised postgraduate degrees and meet registration requirements.
An official notice listed qualifications such as FCPS, MD, MCPS and DMRD in Radiology, emphasizing that recognition by the relevant authorities is essential.
Authorities are also expected to tell MBBS practitioners to stay within their authorized scope and avoid issuing diagnostic reports without the necessary credentials and approval.
According to sources, regulators will remind professionals in medicine, nursing and allied health to respect their legally defined scope and not conduct independent ultrasound reporting without proper authorization.
Breaches could lead to regulatory action, including inspections and financial penalties, with providers urged to follow the rules.
Reports of ultrasound exams being performed by inadequately trained or unauthorized staff at hospitals and clinics have sparked worries about inaccurate results, misdiagnosis and treatment delays.
Citizens have demanded that ultrasound examinations and diagnostic reporting be carried out by properly trained and authorized experts to ensure accurate outcomes and patient safety.
