 Early Times Report
JAMMU, June 9: Secretary of Health and Medical Education, Bhupinder Kumar, chaired a one-day orientation workshop organized by the National Health Mission (NHM), J&K, to promote effective implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994, at the Convention Centre on Canal Road, Jammu.
During the event, Bhupinder Kumar emphasized the importance of implementing the PC & PNDT Act effectively. He highlighted that the child sex ratio is a crucial indicator of the social health of any society, and any decline in the sex ratio can have detrimental effects on the region's demography, ultimately disrupting the entire human system.
The Secretary stated that the government is deeply committed to taking necessary measures to balance the sex ratio. To achieve a healthy child sex ratio and eliminate the menace of sex selection, it is essential to strengthen the implementation mechanism of the PC & PNDT Act at all levels. He urged officers to ensure strict adherence to the Act and emphasized that any violations would be dealt with severely.
The Secretary stressed the need for developing a robust mechanism to curb all illegal practices. He also emphasized the importance of conducting regular meetings of regulatory bodies and committees at all levels. He called for regular inspections and surprise visits by Appropriate Authorities. Additionally, he suggested involving religious leaders, educational institutions, and local governing bodies in raising awareness about female foeticide and its consequences.
Ayushi Sudan, Mission Director of NHM, J&K, highlighted the establishment of a defined regulatory mechanism under the PC & PNDT Act, with regulatory bodies and committees formed at various levels. These bodies, including the UT Supervisory Board, UT Level Task Force, Divisional Advisory Committees, and Divisional and District Appropriate Authorities, are entrusted with strengthening the implementation mechanism of the Act. Sudan emphasized the need for a collaborative approach among all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.
The workshop featured presentations by Ifat Hamid, Lead Consultant for Gender and PNDT at MoH&FW, and Dr. Saroj Agarwal, Consultant with the Director General Health Services Haryana. They provided detailed insights through PowerPoint presentations on different aspects of the PC & PNDT Act, rules, record maintenance, search and seizure powers, Supreme Court directives, and other important concerns.
The workshop was attended by Dr. Rajeev K Sharma, Director of Health Services, Jammu, Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents, Block Medical Officers, Radiologists, Gynaecologists from the Jammu division, and officers from the State Health Society, NHM, J&K. |
