Latest news with #PC&PNDT)Act
Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Haryana's crackdown on illegal abortions: Drastic drop in sale of pregnancy termination kits shows it's working
Amid ongoing efforts by Haryana authorities to curb illegal abortions, the sale of MTP (medical termination of pregnancy) kits has seen a sharp decline over the past three months. Compared to the 40,763 kits sold in a fortnight in March, the number has now plummeted to just 470 in the most recent fortnight. Concerned about the state's declining sex ratio—910 girls per 1,000 boys at birth in 2024, the lowest in eight years—authorities have intensified their crackdown on the illegal sale of MTP kits. Along with restricting unauthorised sales, officials are closely monitoring transactions from licensed wholesalers. The state has 32 authorised wholesalers that sell MTP kits to registered MTP centres. Official data shows that between March 1 and 15, Haryana recorded the sale of 40,763 MTP kits, with a staggering 39,000 kits sold in the Sonipat district alone. The trend continued in early April, with 25,721 kits sold between April 1 and 15. However, the numbers declined drastically, with only 1,492 kits sold from April 16 to 28, and further dropping to just 470 between May 27 and June 9. State Drug Controller Manmohan Taneja, speaking to The Indian Express, stated that wholesalers have been instructed to sell MTP kits only to authorised MTP centres and strictly on the recommendation of a registered medical practitioner. 'We have mandated record-keeping for every tablet, and any violations will be dealt with strictly,' Taneja emphasised. During a meeting of the State Task Force (STF) chaired by Haryana's Additional Chief Secretary for Health, Sudhir Rajpal, on Tuesday, officials reported that 29 wholesalers recorded zero sales of MTP kits between June 3-9. In April, Rajpal directed authorities to compile lists of MTP kit wholesalers and their stock, ensuring that sales are restricted exclusively to registered MTP centres. He also ordered inspections of centres conducting MTP procedures on pregnant women with two live girl children, warning that those found guilty of female feticide would face closure. Rajpal further stressed the urgent need for action on show-cause notices issued to MTP centres, urging immediate license cancellations for gynaecologists found complicit in sex-selective abortions. To enforce the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act more stringently, the state has either revoked or seen the voluntary withdrawal of registrations for 300 out of 1,500 MTP centres. Officials caution that terminating a pregnancy can be done surgically or with MTP kits, but self-administering these medications without medical supervision poses severe health risks. Illegal MTP kits, according to sources, are worsening sex-selective abortions in Haryana, exacerbating the already skewed sex ratio. Taneja previously explained that an MTP kit consists of five tablets—one mifepristone and four misoprostol—both classified as Schedule-H drugs, meaning a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner (RMP) is required for purchase. Kit packaging clearly warns: 'To be used only under the direct supervision of a gynaecologist.' Officials anticipate that the impact of recent initiatives will become evident by August-September, leading to an improvement in the sex ratio at birth. For the week of June 3-9 this year, the child sex ratio at birth was recorded at 943 girls per 1,000 boys. During a State Task Force (STF) meeting on May 20, the sex ratio for the preceding week was noted at 922, while on April 10, it stood at 911 girls per 1,000 boys. However, officials involved in the campaign emphasise that these figures reflect temporary fluctuations and suggest waiting a few more months to assess a meaningful and sustained change in the sex ratio at birth. Sukhbir Siwach's extensive and in-depth coverage of farmer agitation against three farm laws during 2020-21 drew widespread attention. ... Read More
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Sex ratio shows improvement in Sundargarh
Rourkela: The sex ratio at birth in Sundargarh district has shown a marked improvement, rising to 957 in 2024 from 934 in the previous year, officials announced at a district-level meeting on Wednesday. The district advisory committee and task force committee meeting on Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act, 1994, was chaired by district collector and magistrate Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, who expressed his satisfaction over the positive trend. During the meeting, officials reviewed the current status of ultrasound sonography (USG) clinics in the district and discussed registration and renewal procedures. The committee also addressed various aspects of implementing the PC&PNDT Act . "We will intensify IEC campaigns in low-performing areas," said Mahajan, who also serves as the district appropriate authority for PC&PNDT Act. He urged citizens to report any instances of illegal sex determination to his office or the chief district medical and public health officer. The meeting was attended by Dr Guruprasad Mahanta, chief district medical and public health officer, Dr Chulabati Sahu, additional district public health officer (family welfare) and other senior district officials. The district administration remains committed to preventing sex-selective practices and ensuring strict implementation of the PC&PNDT Act, officials said.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Sonography machine sealed in Petlad for alleged fetal sex determination
Vadodara: A sonography machine at a private hospital in Petlad was sealed by health officials from Anand district for allegedly conducting illegal sex determination tests in violation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act, 1994. Ishita Hospital, operated by gynaecologist Dr J K Vaghela, is now facing punitive action under the act, which prohibits fetal sex determination and makes it illegal for medical practitioners to disclose the sex of a fetus to expectant parents. Anand's chief district health officer (CDHO), Dr Piyush Patel, confirmed the development, stating that special teams of medical officers have been formed to conduct surprise inspections across the district to check for violations. During one such surprise inspection, conducted by Dr Rajesh Patel, taluka health officer Dr K D Pathak, Petlad taluka health officer Gunvant Isvarvadia, and programme officer Vijay Vaghela, the hospital was allegedly found flouting the PC&PNDT Act. "The sonography machine was sealed with immediate effect and all hospital records were seized to facilitate further legal action," said Dr Patel. He further warned that such surprise checks will continue across Anand district, and strict action will be taken against any hospital or doctor found in violation of the Act.
