Situation remains tense in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as strike enters 4th day
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 23:
The Punjab Government has framed a comprehensive policy to check the lower count of girl child born per 1000 boys’ births by ensuring the proper implementation of total ban on the pre-diagnostic tests. In this direction, the Health Department has issued set of strict instructions by which all the ultra-sound centers would put under 24×7 online surveillance while the police verification of doctors and other staff posted at such centers has been made mandatory.
Disclosing this, Mr. Brahm Mohindra, Minister for Health and Family Welfare said that it is matter of serious concern that the sex ratio of the state could have not improved as per the set targets. He said that the Punjab Government has considered the ever decreasing sex ratio a serious blot on the face of the state. He said that Health Department has decided to execute a consistent campaign to enforce the Pre Conception (PC) and Pre Natal Diagnostic Test (P.N.D.T) Act with iron hand. He said that instructions down the line to the all and sundry in health paraphernalia of the state have been issued by which it has been made categorically clear that henceforth any iota of laxity in any reported case of female feticide and in pre diagnostic tests would now be considered as criminal conspiracy on the part of the erring. He said that anyone found indulged in such inhuman crimes against humanity would be severely dealt with.
Divulging further, the Health Minister said that though the Punjab Government has announced an award of Rs.1 lakh to any person for giving information with regard to the violation of PC and P.N.D.T. Act but the fact remained is that the Health Department has not been adequately receiving any substantial information and complaint beforehand, adding that such a sordid state of affairs in the health department is clear indication that the previous government has done nothing but lip service for the proper implementation of PC and P.N.D.T. Act.
The Minister said that the Police Department has also been asked to fully cooperate with the Health Department to ensure the compliance of the PC and P.N.D.T. Act. “Role of the Punjab Police is crucial and sensitive in the identification of these unruly Ultra Sound centers and eventually making surprise raids in such centers in association with the officials of Health Department.” he said.
