PNDT Act: Punjab, Haryana give report on action against ultrasound centres

Punjab has suspended the licences of nine ultrasound centres, while Haryana has cancelled the licences of 15 ultrasound centres in the past three months for violations under the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act

Punjab has suspended the licences of nine ultrasound centres, while Haryana has cancelled the licences of 15 ultrasound centres in the past three months for violations under the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act.

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This was stated by the health authorities of Punjab and Haryana in the status report filed by them before the Punjab and Haryana high court in response to the public interest petition filed by Girish Memorial Charitable Trust, seeking directions for appropriate steps to stop female foeticide, including the registration of ultrasound machines meant for veterinary purposes, in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

Detailing the steps initiated by the Punjab government, the status report said that from March to June 2014, the health authorities carried out 1,141 inspections in various districts and issued 46 showcause notices for violation of the PNDT Act, while suspending the licences of nine ultrasound clinics and cancelling the licences of four ultrasound centres.

Haryana, in its status report, submitted that for the corresponding period, the health authorities carried out 530 inspections in various districts and sealed 19 centres for violation of the act, while suspending the licences of 15 ultrasound clinics.