SAMBA: In a significant move to strengthen regulatory oversight of ultrasound clinics and prevent sex determination procedures, Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma today chaired a crucial review meeting of the District Advisory Committee (DAC) on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act here at the DC Office Complex.
The meeting commenced with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vidhi Bhatial presenting detailed insights on regulatory measures adopted by the Health Department to ensure compliance with the Act across registered ultrasound facilities in the district.
Deputy Commissioner Sharma emphasized that preventing sex-selective practices remains a top priority for the district administration. "Regular and random inspections of ultrasound clinics must be conducted to ensure strict adherence to all provisions of the PCPNDT Act," directed the DC, who also serves as Chairman of the District Advisory Committee.
In a strategic approach to enhance grassroots vigilance, the DC proposed that future DAC meetings be conducted in areas identified as vulnerable to violations. He also recommended developing more effective awareness tools and increasing community participation through active involvement of Committee members.
The meeting witnessed participation from key officials representing stakeholder departments including Health, Social Welfare and Legal Advisory, who collectively pledged to intensify efforts to eliminate sex-selective practices through rigorous implementation of the Act.
The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act aims to prevent the misuse of prenatal diagnostic procedures for sex determination, which can lead to female feticide. The Act prohibits sex selection before or after conception and regulates prenatal diagnostic techniques for detecting genetic or metabolic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities.
