In an effort to ensure uniform implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT), the Maharashtra government has formed a committed to determine the standard operating
In an effort to ensure uniform implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT), the Maharashtra government has formed a committed to determine the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the same.
Issuing a government resolution (GR), the state said it had constituted a high-level committee to formulate the SOP. The panel included a member of the Maharashtra State Branch of Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (MSBIRIA); state health department, BMC; deputy secretary of law and judiciary head of the department of gynaecology of Grant Medical College and seven others, including lawyers and activists. The committee is under the purview of the state health secretary.
“The SOP will describe the course for initiating action against violators and also guide officials from the public health department and local self-governing bodies,” the GR stated.
Talking to this paper, Sujata Saunik, principal secretary, public health, said, “We want to make sure it is regularised everywhere. After these SOPs are formulated, there will be uniform implementation of the Act throughout the state.”
Mr Saunik also said the grievance cell in Maharashtra would review all the pending cases, which were booked under this Act and those to be taken up in the court for decision.
Gynaecologist Dr Rekha Davar from Grant Medical College, who is a member of this committee, said, “All issues related to clerical errors and record keeping will be dealt with in the SOPs.
The panel will lay down the SOPs regarding a database of the cases and verification of documents, so there won’t be any disturbances to doctors and to patients,” said Dr Davar.
