Ranchi: In a major crackdown against illegal prenatal diagnostic practices, the Ranchi district administration on Sunday apprehended three persons allegedly operating an unauthorized ultrasound centre in the Pandra area. A case is being registered against the accused under the provisions of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act.
According to officials, the action was carried out following a confidential tip-off received by the district administration regarding illegal ultrasound examinations being conducted on pregnant women. Acting on the directions of Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, a raid was conducted under the supervision of Civil Surgeon-cum-Chief Medical Officer Dr. Prabhat Kumar.
During the raid, conducted near Ravi Steel Chowk in Pandra, officials allegedly caught three individuals red-handed while performing ultrasound examinations on pregnant women using a portable ultrasound machine. The raiding team seized a Micromaxx portable USG machine (Serial No. WK1DPQ) from the spot.
The operation was carried out in the presence of an Executive Magistrate, Ratu police personnel, members of the PC & PNDT cell and other concerned officials.
The arrested persons have been identified as:
Suranjan Kumar
Akash Kumar
Sheela Kumari
Officials said the operation of the ultrasound machine without mandatory registration constitutes a direct violation of the PC & PNDT Act. The law strictly prohibits sex determination tests and regulates the use of prenatal diagnostic techniques to prevent female foeticide.
The Civil Surgeon has written to the Officer-in-Charge of Ratu Police Station seeking registration of an FIR against the accused under relevant provisions of the Act. Authorities stated that all seized materials and evidence will be produced before the court during further proceedings.
Speaking on the matter, Dr. Prabhat Kumar said the administration would not tolerate any illegal ultrasound practice or sex determination activity in the district. He added that strict monitoring is being carried out to strengthen the objectives of the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign and to curb gender-biased practices.
The district health administration has also warned ultrasound centre operators and medical practitioners that violations of the PC & PNDT Act will invite stringent action, including seizure of equipment, cancellation of licences and imprisonment as per law.
The administration has appealed to the public to immediately report any information related to illegal ultrasound centres or sex determination activities to the nearest police station or the office of the Chief Medical Officer, Ranchi.
إرسال تعليق