Health Department Conducts Awareness Program on Ultrasound and Gender Selection

Ranchi: A one-day state-level sensitization workshop under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act was organized at the IPH Auditorium, Namkum. The workshop was attended by Executive Magistrates, Civil Surgeons, Assistant Nodal Officers (PCPNDT), and other officials from all districts of the state.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Siddharth Sanyal, Director General of Health Services, who briefed participants on the significance and objectives of the PC-PNDT Act. He emphasized that District Advisory Committee (DAC) meetings should be held every two months in each district, in coordination with the District Deputy Commissioners. He also highlighted the need for teams at the block level to conduct periodic inspections of ultrasound machines.

Dr. Sanyal pointed out that there is a shortage of radiologists in the state, and some practitioners are working using registration from other states, which is not acceptable. Proper identification and action should be taken against such unauthorized ultrasound centers and technicians. Before empaneling any district-level ultrasound clinic, it must be ensured that no legal cases exist against them under the PCPNDT Act. 

Applicants seeking to open a clinic should receive permission within 70 days, and if 

rejected valid reasons must be provided.

Dr. Vaibhav Pathak (Lead Consultant, PNDT Section, MOHFW) joined virtually to explain the various aspects of the Act and stressed the importance of maintaining complete records for all ultrasounds performed on pregnant women. Dr. Satyajit Kumar (State Nodal Officer, New Delhi) also participated virtually, discussing case studies and sharing his insights.

State Coordinator – PCPNDT, Raft Farzana, highlighted that the Act is not only a legal tool but also an ethical and social safeguard against discriminatory gender selection. Society and individuals should focus on having healthy children rather than preferring a boy or girl.

The PCPNDT Act was enacted to prevent female foeticide and address declining sex ratios by prohibiting gender determination before or after conception and controlling the misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques. During the workshop, Dr. Lal Manjhi, Dr. Pushpa, and Dr. L.R. Pathak shared their views on effective implementation of the Act, addressing emerging challenges, and ensuring compliance.