Instructions issued to 279 ultrasound centers for strict compliance with the PC-PNDT Act; strict action to follow any violations
Workshop held at Sadar Hospital; over 250 operators and doctors underwent training
Ranchi: A one-day workshop-cum-training program was organized on Friday at Sadar Hospital, Ranchi, with the aim of curbing female foeticide, improving the declining sex ratio, and ensuring the effective implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, 1994. During the program, instructions were issued to the district's 279 active ultrasound centers to strictly adhere to all provisions of the Act. More than 250 operators and doctors from ultrasound centers participated in the workshop.
Inaugurating the program, Civil Surgeon-cum-Chief Medical Officer Dr. Prabhat Kumar stated that the objective of the PC-PNDT Act is not merely legal compliance, but also fostering an equal attitude towards daughters in society and eradicating the evil practice of female foeticide. He urged all ultrasound centers to comply with every provision of the Act in letter and spirit.
State Nodal Officer (PC-PNDT) Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh remarked that the declining sex ratio poses a serious challenge to society. Addressing this requires both social awareness and strict adherence to the law. He clarified that ultrasounds must be performed only by registered doctors and that records pertaining to every pregnant woman must be preserved safely for at least two years.
District Social Welfare Officer Surbhi Kumari stated that complying with the PC-PNDT Act is a collective responsibility. A safe future for daughters can be built only by ensuring full compliance with government guidelines.
State Coordinator (PC-PNDT) Rafat Farzana provided detailed information during the training regarding the registration and renewal of ultrasound centers, record-keeping, maintenance of prescribed forms, and the various legal provisions of the Act. He stated that the PC-PNDT Act is not directed against any individual doctor or ultrasound center but serves as a robust legal framework to combat social evils such as female foeticide and sex selection.
He emphasized that the government's priority is to ensure the availability of quality ultrasound services for every pregnant woman, strict adherence to the Act by all registered centers, and the adoption of a 'zero-tolerance' policy regarding illegal activities like sex selection or the disclosure of the foetus's gender. Strict legal action will be taken against those who violate the regulations.
Several officials and doctors attended the workshop, including Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bimlesh Singh, District Tuberculosis Officer Dr. S. Baski, District Program Manager Praveen Kumar Singh, District Coordinator Rakesh Rai, and District Data Manager Sanjay Tiwari.
At the conclusion of the event, District Program Manager Praveen Kumar Singh urged all ultrasound centers to ensure 100% compliance with the Act's guidelines, while Civil Surgeon Dr. Prabhat Kumar extended his gratitude to all the participants and officials.
