Ophthalmologists summoned to register USG scan machines under PC-PNDT Act !!!!
One may wonder as to what’s the connection of sex determination under PCPNDT Act and Ophthalmologist? But in order to curb the pre-sex determination evil the Pune Municipal Corporation sent a circular to ophthalmologists earlier this month thereby directing them to register the ‘A’ and ‘B’ scan machines under the PC-PNDT Act so that there is no scope for misusing technology for determining the sex of the fetus, by the end of 31 St October.
It created havoc amongst the Doctors as the comparison of À and B machines with the machines used for abdominal ultrasound machines was wholly irrelevant and uncalled for.
Ophthalmologists summoned to register USG scan machines under PC-PNDT Act !!!!
The Poona Ophthalmology Society challenged the said circular vide W.P. No. 10398/2015 and recently the division bench of Hon. Bombay High Court by its order dated 19/10/2015 stayed for a period of 6 weeks the circular which provided for legal action against ophthalmologists who fail to register with PMC.
It has been contended that It is really surprising and shocking that when there is no provision under PC-PNDT Act to register ultrasound machines for veterinary use, how can PMC does so ?. Can sex be determined by these machines? The answer is no. The experts say that the ‘A’ scan used by ophthalmologists is one-dimensional and is used to measure the length of the eye and The ‘B’ scan is two-dimensional but cannot read beyond 2-3 cm and Even if the ‘B’ scan is akin to the abdominal ultrasound machine, it cannot reach the placenta or uterine cavity.
Ophthalmologists summoned to register USG scan machines under PC-PNDT Act !!!!
It has been contended by PMC that they do not want to take any chances and hence want see as to whether any kind of technology can be “misused” for illegal sex determination.
At least for interim stage the Doctors have been protected. But I remember a Senior Doctor Once telling me that under PC-PNDT Act, under the drive under the said Act, the sonography was not permitted to be performed even on Men!!! The Act is required for illegal sex determination, but this drive is causing harassment of Doctors, which needs reconsideration for sure.
Ophthalmologists summoned to register USG scan machines under PC-PNDT Act !!!!
We thank Adv. Rohit Erande, Pune for his numerous articles giving all the medicos valuable insights on Medico-legal aspects of Law.
