Local support for stir against PCPNDT Act provisions – Doctors observe nationwide ‘Sonography Shut Down’ day on April 15

Local support for stir against PCPNDT Act provisions

Doctors observe nationwide  ‘Sonography Shut Down’ day on April 15

IMA supports token shutdown and demands to suitably amend the Act

Ferozepur, April 15, 2015 : The local Radiologists and Sonologists and other doctors who use ultrasound machines met under the umbrella of Indian Medical Association (IMA) Ferozepur Branch at Dr.Vikas Arorar X-Ray & Ultrasound Centre, in in view of the misuse of the PC-PNDT Act as a tool of blackmail, persecution and harassment of the doctors.

A call for Nationwide Strike has been given by Radiologists & Sonologists on 15th of April 2015.
Giving this information Dr.Awatar Singh, General Secretary IMA Ferozepur Branch informed that IMA in its meeting decided to extend support to their genuine concerns and support the common cause by stopping all ultrasound work and members wearing black ribbons in protest . It was appreciated that PC-PNDT Act is an ill conceived, draconian law, which is bad in principle ,  singling out the medical profession as a reason for female foeticide . It was further appreciated, that in this corruption driven system , PNDT has benefited only the people at the helm .

He further said that the act has miserably failed to achieve the projected target, but has succeeded only in torturing the medical profession . Doctors are afraid & in fact planning to stop doing ultrasound on ante natal pregnant women.

Only thing stopping the doctors from stopping ultrasound on pregnant women is the humanitarian concern for the genuinely deserving and ailing mothers and sisters, he added.

As per the information gathered, the majority of the cases registered relate to non-maintenance of records. Form F is to be filled for every pregnant woman who undergoes Sonography and any error in that is treated as a criminal offence. The credibility of doctors has been questioned simply because court cases have been slapped on them for not properly filling the forms.

The IMA has supported the token shutdown and demanded that the Act be suitably amended.