Srinagar, April 01: Diagnostic centres in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district continue to flout the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act with CMO Anantnag asking them furnish list of radiologists practicing at the clinics within three weeks.
Chief Medical Officer Anantnag has issued an order and said that it has come to their attention that numerous diagnostic centres permit doctors to practice at their facilities without registering them with the District Registering Authority under the PCPNDT Act.
The officer has said that the same constitutes a flagrant violation of the law and is subject to severe penalties. “Following PCPNDT Act, stringent measures will be taken against both the errant clinics and the responsible radiologists/qualified sonologists. Consequently, these clinics will face immediate closure,” it said.
The order said that if multiple radiologists/sonologists engage in private practice at any diagnostic centre, all individuals must be duly registered under the Act with the District Appellate Authority of PCPNDT.
“Under the provisions of the Act, radiologists/qualified sonologists are permitted to engage in private practice at only two diagnostic centres, and they must be registered with the District Registering Authority at both locations,” it said.
The CMO Anantnag has instructed all diagnostic centres to furnish a comprehensive list of radiologists/qualified sonologists practicing at their premises within three weeks.
“Failure will result in strict enforcement action, potentially leading to closure of non- compliant clinics under PCPNDT Act. Prompt attention to this matter is essential to ensure adherence to legal obligations and the integrity of our healthcare system,” the CMO said.
In another order, the CMO Anantnag mentioned that several residents from various medical colleges are unlawfully conducting private practice in District Anantnag, contravening both residency regulations and the PCPNDT Act.
“Residents involved in such practices are urged to cease immediately, failing which their cases will be referred to their respective medical colleges for appropriate disciplinary measures,” the order said.
All radiologists and sonologists have been instructed to include their full name, designation and JKMC registration number in the end of all USG reports as a mandatory requirement.
“Cooperation in adhering to these regulations is essential to ensure the integrity and legality of medical practices in our jurisdiction,” the order added.
Despite the existence of this legislation, which aims to regulate and monitor the use of prenatal diagnostic techniques to prevent sex-selective abortions, the implementation has been deficient.
According to the PCPNDT Act, only registered medical practitioners (RMPs) who have completed six months of ultrasonography training and passed a competency-based exam, or those with degrees/diplomas in Radiology or Medical Radio-diagnosis, are authorized to conduct USG examinations.
However, rampant violations are observed, with unregistered radiologists/sonologists operating in clinics without proper adherence to the Act at many places like Anantnag, Baramulla, Srinagar, Pulwama, Kulgam etc.
A senior doctor from GMC Anantnag said many clinics are registered under one practitioner, yet others operate unlawfully, undermining the Act’s intent.
“It is being observed that they are practising at many USG clinics even without being registered under PCPNDT Act which is highly uncalled for,” he said.
Officials of the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir said they keep close vigil over the violations across the valley and would take strict action against offenders.
“In district, the district magistrates and Chief Medical Officers can take action. We will see what needs to be done to stop this. Wherever we have evidence we will take action in specific matters,” the official said.
Every district has district appellate authorities that are authorized to seal illegal clinics. Officials said more needs to be done at local ground level to ensure stringent action.
In June last year, the Health and Medical Education had called for strict implementation of PCPNDT Act. He had then ushered a healthy child-sex ratio and curtailment of the menace of sex selection.
In 2011, the Union Health Ministry had stressed upon the States to strictly implement the provisions of the PC & PNDT Act especially those where the child sex ratio has been reported to be low.
