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| Diagnostic labs conducting sex determination tests unabated | | Only few complaints received since 2002 | | Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Oct 18: Since the enactment of Pre Conception and Prenatal Diagnostic Technique, Prohibition of Sex (PC&PNDT) Act in 2002, few complaints have been filed against diagnostic centres conducting tests for determining sex in the last 16 years.
The complaints were pertaining to disclosure of sex of the foetus, unregistered diagnostic labs and use of unregistered ultrasonography machines. "Till last year only eight complaints were received and few more have been received this year," an official said.
Source said that the action as per the law was taken against few persons as they were found guilty. As per the sources, there are still number of diagnostic centers running illegally and resorting to malpractices ranging from disclosure of sex of the foetus to the patient to untrained man power just to earn money. "The presence of illegal diagnostic centers has aggravated the menace of female foeticide," said the sources.
Though the authorities claim that they were taking appropriate steps to check the illegal diagnostic centers and their activities but the claim has no takers. "Nothing is hidden from us. We all are aware what is happening. Authorities should take stern action to check the growing menace of illegal diagnostic centers," said Ghulam Mohammad. An official said that the poor response from the people to expose the owners of illegal diagnostic centers is quite unfortunate. He said that even the advertisements through print and electronic media are not helping to curb illegal operations of diagnostic centers. "We spent huge amount on advertisements, Even we have kept an award for the person who gives the information about the diagnostic centers involved in illegal practices. The award is rupees fifty thousand for an individual, but there are no informers" sid an official. He said that it is the collective responsibility of all the citizens to come forward and report illegal diagnostic centers to the concerned Chief Medical Officers (CMO's).
Pertinently, as per the provisions of the act, if the person is found guilty, he can be imprisoned for one year and/or fine of rupees fifty thousand will be imposed on him. On repetition of the offence, the person can be imprisoned for 3-years or fine of rupees fifty thousand will be imposed on him. |
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