04 Aug 2011
By, Jyoti.Shelar
In a bid to curb illegal sex determination tests, the government had sent circulars to radiologists saying they can’t practise in more than two clinics
City radiologists are all set to take legal action against health officials for issuing a circular that they claim violates the Pre–Conception and Pre–Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. The state sent circulars regarding their plan to limit radiologists’ visits to two clinics, as it felt this will help reduce the number of illegal sex determination tests.
The Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) will send legal notices to the authorities who issued circulars regarding the same in Mumbai, Nashik, Nagpur and Dhule in the past two days, and also file a petition in the Bombay High Court.
The circular, radiologists claim, is completely against the law, as the Act does not state any limitations. “Such limitations will be life threatening for patients,” said Dr Jignesh Thakker, general secretary, IRIA. He said they will give a week’s time to authorities to respond to their notices.
The state authorities have, however, taken a U–turn after sending the circular. “The circulars were sent for radiologists who are attached to government–run hospitals and still practise in multiple centres. We want them to only practise in one centre owned by them besides a government hospital,” said Dr Suresh Gupta, state authority for the PCPNDT Act. But he added that they want the rule to be applied to private radiologists too.
Govt Website Finally Functional
The state on July 11 launched www.amchimulgi.gov.in — a website to spread awareness about the falling girl child ratio, illegal sex determination tests and female foeticide.
However, due to technical glitches, the website could not be accessed. On Wednesday, it was relaunched. People can now log on to read and report sex selection without revealing their identity.
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