Himachal: Soon, tracking device in all ultrasound machines

To check female foeticide, Himachal Pradesh government is planning to install a tracking device in ultrasound machines across the state and a pilot project would be started at Kangra.

“Surveillance on ultrasound machines was being maintained on regular basis but misuse of the machines in private clinics could not be ignored and the state government was planning to install Active Tracking Device in these machines and a pilot project would be started at Kangra,” state Health minister Kaul Singh  said here.

The tracking devices would be installed in a phased manner in all government and private ultrasound machines in the state, he said.

Singh said government has taken number of initiatives to check sex determination and strict action will be taken on complaints under Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Test (PC and PNDT).

He instructed all the Chief Medical Officers, Block Medical Officers and others for regular inspection of the ultrasound machines in their respective areas.

The state government had increased the reward money from Rs 10,000 to Rs one lakh for furnishing information regarding female foeticide and sex determination test.

The Minister said for operating the ultrasound machines, an eligible and qualified person having a diploma or a degree should be deployed.

He said a massive awareness campaign would be launched to spread awareness regarding female foeticide, in which NGOs and Asha workers would be involved.