Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, November 13: A meeting of the District PCPNDT Advisory Committee was held on various agendas including further improvement in the sex ratio in the district, stricter implementation of the PCPNDT Act and renewal of registration of scanning centres. It was chaired by Acting Civil Surgeon Dr. Renu Singh. After the meeting, Dr. Renu Singh and District Family Welfare Officer Dr. Tamanna said that continuous checking of ultrasound scan centres is being ensured in the district so that the menace of foeticide can be completely stopped. They said that the PCPNDT (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique) Act is being strictly implemented in the district. Wherever any complaint is received or any irregularity is noticed, immediate legal action is taken.
He said that ultrasound scan centers were instructed to ensure that they apply on time to renew the registration of their scanning centers. Officials said that a district-level team formed by the health department conducts surprise checks of the scanning centers in the district and it is seen whether their records are as per the rules of the act or not.
He said that checking the sex of the fetus growing in the womb or pressurizing a pregnant woman to get the test done is a punishable offense. From the doctor involved in this crime to the one who conducts the test and the one who gets it done are considered equally guilty and if the crime is proven, a minimum of three years of imprisonment can be imposed.
He said that every responsible person of the society should give his due cooperation to stop feticide. Officials said that the health department is completely serious about eradicating the social evil like feticide, for which those who violate the PC&PNDT Act in the district will not be spared. On this occasion, besides committee members, other officials and employees of the Health Department were present.