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Diagnostic centres booked for PNDT violations in Karnataka

Nandita Vijay, BangaloreMonday, August 16, 2004, 08:00 Hrs  [IST]

Karnataka Government has booked 36 cases against diagnostic centres and hospitals in the state for violating the Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Regulation and Prevention of Misuse Act. Out of these 36 cases, 14 cases are being settled in the Judicial First Magistrate Court. A maximum of 23 cases are booked against medical centres in Bangalore. The other districts caught violating the PNDT Act are Belgaum- 6 cases, Hubli- 3 cases, Gulbarga- 2 cases, Mandya and Dharwad - one each. The cases which are still pending for the diagnostic centres and nursing homes in Bangalore are Yellamma Dasappa Hospital, Thomas Diagnostics Laboratory, Arathi Nursing Home, Dr. Sharadha Meghna Maternity Nursing Home, Dr. B Rajashekar Swamy Trauma and Maternity Nursing Home, Dr. YR Srinivasa Reddy Nursing Home, Vinayaka Maternity Hospital, Padmavathi Hospital, Sri Diagnostic Eswaramba Nursing Home, Sri Durga Polyclinic, Sri Bharathi Manjunatha Hospital. The cases were filed against the medical centres for non-registration of the centre. Some of the medical centres did not even have an ultrasound machine but the facility had put up a board stating that the services for scanning were offered. In the districts of Belgaum, Gulbarga, Hubli, Mandya and Dharwad, the centres were found using the ultrasound machines for Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques. Although, there is no particular funding for the PNDT, the Karnataka Government in 2002 sanctioned Rs 95 lakh for the Reproductive Child Health (RCH) out of which 50 per cent was earmarked for PNDT activities which included a comprehensive Information Education Communication (IEC) programme. Now the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare is continuing its massive Information Education and Communication programme thought the registration fee collected from the medical centres that have ultra sound machines. "A certain portion of the funds collected as registration fee has been allocated for advertisements, announcements in the electronic media and radio in addition to preparation of printed pamphlets that has been helping to sensitise the public and the medical professionals, informed Dr. JN Raju, project director, RCH, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka. Karnataka Government has also set up State Supervisory Board according to the directions of Supreme Court in addition to the existing State Supervisory Committee on the Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act that was amended in early 2003. The Board is now monitoring not just the ban on sex selective abortions, but is also keeping a watch on the authorities responsible for encouraging foeticide in the state's private and government medical centres.

 
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