Kodagu: Scanning centres under watch as panel orders surprise inspections

A district-level committee has resolved to conduct surprise inspections of scanning centres to curb illegal practices under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.

District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. M. Satish Kumar warned that prenatal sex determination is a punishable offence and any complaints in this regard will invite strict action as per law.

He was speaking at the PCPNDT advisory committee meeting held at his office in Madikeri on Saturday.

He said that prenatal sex determination before birth must be strictly avoided. Pregnant women should undergo regular health check-ups to ensure both maternal well-being and proper growth of the foetus, he added.

District Enforcement Officer N. Anand said there are 28 scanning centres in the district, and periodic inspections are being carried out. Two new applications have been received for setting up scanning centres, and site inspections have already been conducted, he added.

The committee has decided that a team of PCPNDT advisory committee members will inspect centres that have applied for renewal of registration.

Gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr. Somashekar from Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences stressed the need for frequent surprise checks at scanning centres. Only qualified specialists should perform scans related to maternal and foetal health and urged the public to remain vigilant, he advised.

He highlighted the importance of maintaining accurate records of patients visiting scanning centres, including their names, addresses, and timings, along with ensuring that they undergo periodic medical check-ups.

Committee member K.N. Nalini Kumar suggested that inspections should cover centres applying for new licences.