District Collector, Dr BR Ambedkar, has ordered a crackdown on illegal practices within the healthcare sector. The move comes after a recent advisory committee meeting focused on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, which highlighted potential violations.
Dr Ambedkar voiced deep concern over a possible gender imbalance in the district, suspecting it to be a consequence of unlawful sex determination during pregnancies. He declared a zero-tolerance policy for such practices, warning of strict legal repercussions for violators. This firm stance follows a survey of 88 scanning centres that unearthed irregularities, prompting Dr Ambedkar to emphasize the crucial role of qualified medical professionals in managing these facilities. He has proposed stricter vetting procedures to ensure that only qualified personnel are granted permission to operate scanning centres.
In a bid to strengthen transparency and accountability, Dr Ambedkar has mandated the creation of a centralized online portal. This portal will serve as a repository for documented details of all deliveries and abortions performed in private hospitals within the district. Additionally, he has ordered a thorough review of the services offered by these hospitals. This review process carries the possibility of license revocation for institutions found to be non-compliant with regulations.
The advisory committee meeting, held at the Collectorate, brought together key stakeholders including Third Additional District Judge M Meena Devi, DM&HO Dr S Bhaskara Rao, and Public Prosecutor PVN Jayalakshmi. The collective focus of the meeting was to strategize impactful methods for enforcing healthcare laws and ensuring that ethical practices are upheld across the board. Dr Ambedkar’s directives signal a firm commitment to tackling irregularities within the district’s healthcare sector. These measures are designed to guarantee that private medical facilities operate in accordance with ethical and legal guidelines, fostering a healthcare environment that prioritizes patient well-being and abides by the law.
