A meeting about the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 took place at the District Medical and Health Department Office in Jogulamba Gadwal. Dr. S.K. Siddappa, the District Medical and Health Officer, led the discussion. The focus was on reviewing the Act’s enforcement and ensuring all departments comply with it.
Dr. Siddappa highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the ban on sex determination tests. He stressed the need for officials to educate communities, especially in rural areas, about the legal consequences of female foeticide.
Violating the PCPNDT Act carries serious penalties. Offenders can face up to 3 years in prison, a ₹50,000 fine, and non-bailable charges. For repeat offenses, the punishment increases to 5 years and fines up to ₹1 lakh. Medical practitioners and clinics involved risk losing their licenses or registration.
Dr. Siddappa also emphasized the importance of understanding related laws like the POCSO Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. These laws are crucial for safeguarding the rights of women and children. He mentioned a 14416 toll-free helpline that offers free mental health support for pregnant women facing mental health challenges.
The meeting included key officials such as Dr. B. Damayanthi, Dr. G. Prasoona Rani, Tanveer Rizwana, Dr. G. Raju, K. Madhusudan Reddy, P. Narendra Babu, G. Narasayya, and B. Narsinglu. Representatives from the Women and Child Welfare Department, the SAHKI One Stop Centre, and NGOs like Parashuramudu also attended.
The session ended with a shared commitment to strengthen interdepartmental cooperation. Officials agreed to enhance monitoring systems and ensure all diagnostic centers follow the PCPNDT Act. They promised to protect the rights of the girl child and work towards improving the gender ratio in the district.
