Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - HT Navi Mumbai Live
‘Not involved in sex determination test’
The members of Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (Navi Mumbai and Raigad chapter) expressed their dissatisfaction with government bodies for allegedly victimising innocent radiologists who don’t have any connection with sex determination tests.
By holding a press conference at Vashi on Thursday, they said that several doctors have been penalised under the Pre-Conception and PreNatal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, for minor clerical errors in the past three years.
“In Navi Mumbai alone, 15 such cases were registered by the NMMC in three years. Of the 15, three doctors were convicted while the rest were acquitted,” said Dr Ashok Patil, a patron and former president of Radiological Association of Navi Mumbai and Raigad.
“A radiologist has to submit forms of the sonography he does in his clinic to NMMC every month. During verification, if the appropriate authority of NMMC finds that a phone number or address mentioned Members of Indian Radiological and Imaging Association protest at Vashi on Thursday.
on the form is incorrect, they take action against the doctor. Such details are given by the patients. How can doctors be held responsible?” he asked.
The association has requested the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to look into such matters and take the requisite steps.
“Under the PC and PNDT Act,
non-uniform implementation has resulted in sealing of many ultrasound machines depriving radiologists of their livelihood. It is becoming impossible for us to continue practising with the fear of unfair prosecution,” said Dr Laxman Thadani, president of the association.
“If government officials continue to harass honest radiologists,
we will have no option but to stop practising. Why should an honest radiologist go to jail for no fault of his?” he said.
According to Thadani, a kit can be purchased online with which a person can conduct sex determination test at home. “The availability of such kits has become mockery to existing Act,” he said.