30 March 2011
By Himansshu Bhatt
Surat, India
Cracking the whip on illegal sex determination carried out through sonography, authorities raided several clinics last week and caught three doctors red–handed. Their names are: Dr Harsha Shiroya of Shreeji Clinic, Yogichowk, Dr Mita Shiyani of Lambe Hanuman Road and Dr Vitthal Patil of Pandesara.
On Monday, action was taken against these doctors under section 20 (2) of the Pre–conception and Pre–natal Diagnostic Techniques (prohibition of sex determination) Act, 1994. Their registration as well as the registration of their machines was cancelled. The doctors were referred to their respective medical councils for penal action.
With the male to female ratio in Surat district at a dismal 1000:877, the need was felt to crack the whip on such clinics and practitioners. Surat city has a sex ratio of 1000:840 boys versus girls at birth.
Four more doctors who never supplied any mandatory details after sex determination tests were sent final show–cause notices. These doctors include Dr Nirav Shah of Singanpore, Dr Jaydev Dhamelia of L H road, Dr Gita Chayani, Puna, and Dr Ramji Chandpura of Varachha.
"These doctors have been asked to furnish all the details of such tests carried out in their clinics in the last three years and the list of babies born in a week’s time, failing which strict action will be taken against them," said an official from Health department.
Collector A J Shah said, "We are not going to tolerate any such activity. Unlawful sex determination must stop or else we will not hesitate to take harsh steps in the future too."
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