145 doctors convicted under PCPNDT Act suspended by State Medical Councils : Union Health Minister Mandaviya
The medical community was urged to play a vital role in addressing the declining Child Sex Ratio and Sex Ratio at Birth by identifying black sheep within their profession.
New Delhi: In the past 8 years, reported cases under the PC-PNDT act have risen from 2048 in March 2015 to 3563 in July 2023 while the convisions have also seen a substantial increase from 271 to 713, the data released by the government in the 29th meeting of the Central Supervisory Board (CSB) showed. The data also showed that licenses of 145 convicted doctors have been suspended by their respective State Medical Councils.
On October 18, 2023, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, chaired the 29th meeting of the Central Supervisory Board (CSB), where the primary focus was on the effective implementation of the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994 (PC&PNDT Act) to combat the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) in India.
During the meeting, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the progress made in the SRB, with a three-point improvement from 904 in 2017-19 to 907 in 2018-20, as per the latest Sample Registration Survey (SRS) report of 2020. This improvement was attributed to the concerted efforts of states in implementing the PC&PNDT Act and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. Furthermore, the Gender Gap has decreased by two points in 2020 compared to a five-point gap in 2015, with ten states effectively reversing the gender gap, positively impacting female survival rates.
In terms of convictions under the PC&PNDT Act, Smt. L S Changsan, Additional Secretary and MD (NHM), MoHFW, revealed that reported cases have seen a substantial increase, rising to 3563 in July 2023 from 2048 in March 2015. Convictions have also risen from 271 to 713 during the same period, and licenses of 145 convicted doctors have been suspended by their respective State Medical Councils. To fortify the legislation, the Ministry has implemented 11 amendments in the rules under the PC&PNDT Act over the years.
Dr Mandaviya also emphasized on the challenges posed by modern technologies, such as IVF procedures, the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT), and compact diagnostic equipment, which facilitate sex selection under the pretext of family balancing. “These technologies, despite their positive medical applications, could be misused and exacerbate gender imbalances”, he stated.
The CSB members reiterated their commitment to enforcing the PC&PNDT Act and creating a supportive environment for the girl child in India. Dr. Mandaviya praised the innovative strategies employed by states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, including sting operations and informer schemes, to combat gender-biased sex selection. He also called upon other states and union territories to emulate these efforts.
Dr Mandaviya lauded the proactive measures taken by states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu in this regard. He commended their innovative strategies, including sting operations and informer schemes, to combat gender-biased sex selection. While celebrating these efforts, the Union Minister called upon other states and union territories to follow suit and contribute significantly to this critical demographic issue.
He expressed his optimism on the move to provide dedicated financial support under NHM to bolster States/UT’s ability to effectively enforce the PC&PNDT Act. “The financial support is being channeled to establish Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) cells at both state and district levels. Additionally, support is being provided to intensify Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities related to this cause”, he said.
Union Health Secretary, Shri Sudhansh Pant reiterated the commitment of the Union Govt to be at the forefront of advancing the rights and well-being of women and children, emphasizing their protection, development, and participation holistically.
The Union Health Minister concluded the meeting with a heartfelt appeal for collective action to ensure the survival and well-being of the girl child in the nation. The medical community was also urged to play a vital role in addressing the declining Child Sex Ratio and Sex Ratio at Birth by identifying black sheep within their profession. The CSB meeting witnessed a unanimous commitment to addressing gender-based discrimination and promoting gender equality.
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