Garhwal Post Bureau
Haridwar, 6 May: Haridwar district administration has taken a stern action against violations of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act in the district, cancelling the licences of four ultrasound centres found to be operating irregularly. These centres had been registered a year ago but neither had officially begun operations nor appointed qualified doctors (Radiologists) to operate the ultrasound machines. In one case, despite sealing orders, the ultrasound machine was removed by the operator, while in Kaliyar an appointed doctor was found to be having a fake degree.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Haridwar, Dr RK Singh confirmed that the registration of four centres has been suspended and investigations are underway, with preparations being made to file cases against those responsible. He stated that teams are also conducting physical inspections and strict measures are being enforced against centres violating norms. He added that, in Kaliyar, the ultrasound centre was sealed and its licence cancelled after the doctor’s degree was found to be fraudulent, and legal proceedings will follow.
The action was reviewed during a meeting of the PCPNDT Advisory Committee chaired by District Magistrate Mayur Dikshit at Roshanabad Collectorate auditorium. The District Magistrate had directed strict compliance with the Act and immediate action against centres flouting rules. Additional Chief Medical Officer (ACMO) Dr Anil Verma presented matters related to new registrations and renewals, informing that five applications for private ultrasound centres were received, of which only one was approved while four were suspended due to lack of appointed doctors.
The CMO reiterated that under the PCPNDT Act, machines cannot be purchased or sold without due permission and that physical verification of the doctors and the equipment is mandatory before granting registration. He emphasised that violations will invite stringent action. Meanwhile, proposals to start ultrasound facilities at community health centres in Bahadrabad and Narsan were approved, while veterinary centre renewals were considered, with 11 out of 12 applications cleared and Bahadrabad’s renewal kept pending.
The administration has claimed that fraudulent practices and negligence in medical services will not be tolerated, and strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act will continue across the district.
