Around 2,500 radiologists across the state have called for an indefinite strike from June 14, demanding relief from the allegedly draconian provisions of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Te
Around 2,500 radiologists across the state have called for an indefinite strike from June 14, demanding relief from the allegedly draconian provisions of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. The strike is a result of the action taken against a Pune-based radiologist, who was booked under the Act last month. The Maharashtra State Branch of Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (MSBIRIA) officials, which has alleged harassment at the hands of officials, has made threats of a nationwide strike if its demands aren’t met before June 21.
The state body of the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) has been claiming that one-sided provisions of PCPNDT Act force them to live in constant fear of losing their bread and butter. However, their claims were buttressed when Pune-based Dr Ashutosh Jape was booked under the Act on April 5.
Dr Jape, who claimed to have correctly diagnosed a case of meningocele (birth defects of the spine and spinal membrane) in a pregnant patient who then underwent Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP), was accused of female foeticide. Pune Appropriate Authority, Dr Vaishali Jadhav, after a five-hour inspection of the matter, sealed his three machines.
“On the contrary, a panchnama filed by local police officials mentions only two clerical errors made by Dr Jape. There was no other proof against him and the action was proved to be taken in a haste,” said Dr Sanjeev Mani, secretary of MSBIRIA.
Dr Jape too said that no explanation was given to him when he pointed out the clerical errors he had allegedly committed while filling the paperwork. “Every authority kept saying that the matter is now sub-judice and they won’t be able to do anything regarding it. Along with MSBIRIA, we have made multiple communications with all possible health officials but the issue continues to tarnish my image and cause me mental stress,” said Dr Jape.
MSBIRIA, supporting Dr Jape and other radiologists who are subjected to similar action under the law, have demanded the quashing of all the ‘fabricated accusations’ against Dr Jape and immediate unsealing of his ultrasound machines. “We also want Dr Jadhav removed from the PMC in view of gross violations of the Act and instructions to be given to all appropriate authorities of the state about uniform, systematic and unprejudiced implementation of PNDPCT Act,” said Dr Jignesh Thakker, National PCPNDT coordinator.
