32 doctors in Maharashtra convicted for violating PCPNDT ACt

May 1, 2012, 02.17AM IST TNN

MUMBAI: Thirty-two doctors have been found guilty of violating the anti-sex determination law across the state till March 12. In all, 314 cases have been lodged in various criminal courts for violation of the Pre-Conception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 2003, or PCPNDT Act.

Two doctors in Mumbai were convicted by the Dadar metropolitan magistrate for advertizing sex-selection facilities. The doctors were fined Rs 30,000 and sentenced to three years’ rigorous imprisonment.

In 34 cases, decoys were used to expose those who carried out sex-determination tests and 14 doctors were subsequently convicted. The doctors have appealed against the orders of the lower courts. Nearly 215 cases have been filed for non-maintenance of records.

In 14 cases in Pune, doctors were fined by the Junior Magistrate First Class for non-registration of sonography machines.

The 2011 census shows that the general child sex ratio has improved from 922 to 925 females for every 1,000 males. In the 0-6 age group, this has deteriorated from 913 to 883. According to the health department, sex ratio of 952 is the expected average. “Considering this sex ratio and comparing it with the child sex ratio of 2011 census, nearly 4,68,680 female foeticides have occurred,” said an official.

Though the maximum decline is in Beed, the situation in six other districts-Buldhana, Washim, Hingoli, Parbhani, Jalna and Jalgaon-is also worrisome. The tribal district of Gadchiroli has witnessed the minimum decline.

Dr Jayesh Lele, secretary of the India Medical Association (Maharashtra) said, “Only two of the 32 doctors convicted belong to the IMA. We have been advising doctors to fill forms and maintain records properly. Sometimes doctors are not aware that forms have not been filled properly. They must be given an opportunity to improve. Such harsh measures will not help the government to catch the real culprits.”

Dr Kishore Taori said, “Many cases are old and a majority of doctors has been convicted for clerical errors such as improper filling of forms. Doctors are now taking paperwork more seriously. The real culprits are those who do not register their machines and carry out sex-determination tests.”