4 sonography centres in Mumbai sealed by BMC

Civic officials sealed four sonography centres for alleged irregularities on Wednesday and Thursday, as part of a special drive to prevent sex-selective abortions. The centres are located in Kurla, Dadar, Andheri (east) and Malad.

Civic officials sealed four sonography centres for alleged irregularities on Wednesday and Thursday, as part of a special drive to prevent sex-selective abortions. The centres are located in Kurla, Dadar, Andheri (east) and Malad.

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) decided to inspect sonography centres and abortion clinics after the state government announced special squads to curb the falling child sex ratio in Maharashtra. The teams have so far surveyed 138 sonography centres and 17 abortion clinics. Mumbai has 1,339 sonography centres and 432 abortion clinics.

"We sealed four centres after we found discrepancies such as incorrect records, incomplete filing of the F forms, and unregistered doctors at a centre," said Dr Asha Advani, special officer, family welfare department, BMC.

The BMC has also increased the strength of the inspection team from one to three doctors. "It becomes complicated for one doctor to prove lapses. A team of three will be better equipped to establish deficiencies," said Manisha Mhaiskar, additional commissioner, BMC.

However, officials said the confidentiality clause in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act prevents disclosure of information such as identity of the pregnant woman and reasons for termination of pregnancy. "Officials should get access to such data in cases of abortions conducted between 12 weeks and 20 weeks of pregnancy or if a woman is opting for a second abortion" said Dr Kamakshi Bhate, member, Forum Against Sex Determination and Sex Pre-Selection.