Radiologists allegedly not allowing sonologists to clear PNDT Exam: Health Ministry directs Impartiality

New Delhi: Taking note of many medical practitioners failing the competency based test required to be allowed to conduct ultrasounds in the country, as well as responding to the allegations that Radiologists not allowing the sonologist to clear the Exam/Test, the Ministry of Health Has written to all the health departments in all the states and UTs directing them to ensure Impartial Implementation of Six Months Training  Rules. 2014.

Moreover, In a letter written to the Health Secretaries of all the States/UTs, the Director PNDT, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also stated that Pending the completion of the process of competency Based Test/Six Months Training Rules, 2014 the states/UTs may ensure through their Appropriate Authorities to renew registration of existing practitioners with the condition incorporated that the renewal of registration is conditional subject to the outcome of the Competency Based Test/Six Months Training Rules for the concerned Medical Practitioners

Impartial Implementation of Six Months Training  Rules. 2014

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported the Supreme Court in the month of March 2018 through an interim order upheld the validity of the The Training Rules 2014 stating that were made by the Central Government on the directions of the parliament hence also upholding the Competency Based Tests.

Read Also: Mere MBBS CANNOT perform Ultrasound: SC stays Delhi HC Order

The Ministry, through the recent letter observed the following

A few States have reported in discussion that practicing doctors with such experience are being failed in the CET examination. This is allegedly due to Radiologist not allowing the sonologist to clear the Exam/Test, 

The letter then called for impartial implementation of the rules

With regard to the implementation of the Six Month Training Rules. 2014, the undersigned is directed to request  that all the States/UTs to ensure impartial conducting of the Competency Based Test (CBT1) as prescribed under the Six Months training  Rules, 2014 under the PC & PNDT Act for "the existing Registered Medical Practitioners, who are performing ultrasound procedures in the Genetic Clinics or Ultrasound clinics or Imaging Centers on the basis of one year experience or Six Months Training (Qualification prescribed prior to 2014 under the PC & PNDT Rules, 1996)".

As the result, the ministry has now directed the following

• The States/UTs shall involve the Department of Medical Education in conducting the Competency Based Test and the same department should develop the questionnaire for the said exam /Test m consultation with the faculty of all three fields i.e. Obstetrics Gynaecology and Radiology.


• It should also be ensured that the certificate issued for qualifying Competency Based Test to the successful candidates should be co-signed by Head of the Department of Medical Education Department and the Chairperson of State Appropriate Authority.


• Govt. of India in view of the recent Supreme Court Order dated March 14, 2018 is seeking extension for the time emit provided in the Rules, 2014. Meanwhile the States/UTs should assess the number of such registered Medical Practitioners, Who are perform, ultrasound procedures in the registered Genetic Clinics or Ultrasound Clinics or Imaging Centres on the basis of qualifications pervious to the Six Months Training Rubes, 2014 and make necessary arrangements to complete the competency Based Test of all the existing practitioners in a time frame on an urgent basis.


• Similarly, arrangements should be made for timely completion of Six Months Training for all those MBBS graduates who have not been registered so far and intend to perform ultrasound/other procedures coming in the purview or PC & PNDT Act/Rules.

The Ministry also directed that a conditional renewal of registration of existing practitioners

Pending the completion of the process of competency Based Test/Six Months Training Rules, 2014 the states/UTs may ensure through their Appropriate Authorities to renew registration of existing practitioners with the condition incorporated that the renewal of registration is conditional subject to the outcome of the Competency Based Test/Six Months Training Rules for the concerned Medical Practitioner.