RADIOLOGISTS TO GO ON DAY-LONG STRIKE TODAY

LUCKNOW: Radiology services like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and X-ray will remain affected across the state on Thursday as doctors conducting such tests have decided to go a day-long nationwide strike.

The call has been given by Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) against provisions of pre conception pre natal diagnostic test (PCPNDT) Act, especially the provisions for punishment for incomplete form-F that is filled up for pregnant women undergoing ultrasound.

“For every mistake in filling up the form-F a doctor is held guilty as if he or she did sex determination of the foetus. This is draconian provision which we have been opposing since past several months,” said Dr PK Srivastav, former member of the district advisory committee on PCPNDT Act while addressing a press conference here on Wednesday.

Pointing towards the faults that draw penal action, he said clerical errors in form F, not wearing of apron while doing ultrasound, not displaying notice board, not keeping hand book on PCPNDT Act should not be equated with sex determination and criminal offence.

IRIA had held a meeting with Central Supervisory Board (CSB) in April and it was decided that within three months the issue would be resolved.

“Three months later nothing happened. Then we gave one month notice and now we have nothing left but to go on strike,” said Dr SS Sarkar, member IRIA.

“We fully support the law but there should be difference between clerical error and a criminal offence like sex determination,” said Dr Srivastava, IRIA UP state PNDT coordinator.

Though the association has asked its members not to shut down emergency services but with majority units in private sector patients will have to bear the brunt.

After a daylong strike IRIA has planned to keep only ultrasound service suspended indefinitely but a decision regarding this would be taken after Thursday’s strike.