Madras HC seeks response on plea alleging lack of doctors to operate ultrasound machines
Madras High Court
Chennai: The Madras High Court, highlighting the shortage of doctors to operate ultrasound machines in most rural primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in the district, has directed state authorities to respond regarding the non-functional ultrasound equipment in PHCs across the Madurai district.
The directive came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by activist A Veronica Mary, highlighting the lack of essential prenatal diagnostic facilities in rural healthcare centers.
On Thursday, a division bench comprising Justice J Nisha Banu and Justice S Srimathy took up the plea and asked the government to respond to a petition that calls for an order to guarantee the functionality of ultrasound equipment in PHCs in the Madurai district.
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The petitioner pointed out that there are 13 block-level PHCs in the district, which play a crucial role in maternal and infant healthcare, including perinatal care, delivery and immunization. Ultrasound scans, essential for monitoring fetal development, are unavailable at most rural PHCs.
She claimed that due to the absence of these scanners, the pregnant women are forced to travel long distances to taluk hospitals, medical colleges, or private hospitals, where each scan costs between Rs 1,000- 1,200.
One such PHC in Chekkanurani, which is one of the most important in the region, witnesses 50 to 100 pregnant women every Tuesday, with at least 30 to 50 requiring an ultrasound. However, due to the absence of trained doctors, the equipment remains unused, reports TOI.
She further pointed out that although the state had installed ultrasound machines in several block-level PHCs, a shortage of trained doctors has made them unusable. She came to know about the core issue, which is the shortage of specialist doctors at these PHCs after she submitted a representation to the authorities to make ultrasound equipment functional in all PHCs.
Following this, she approached the High Court and submitted her petition. The hearing in the case was adjourned for a week.
