Deputy Commissioner Kathua Dr. Rakesh Minhas, chaired the District Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act at the conference hall of the DC Office Complex.
The meeting focused on evaluating the implementation of the PCPNDT Act across the district, with detailed discussions on the registration of ultrasound centres, legal provisions concerning offences and penalties, and the district’s monitoring mechanisms.
At the outset, Dr. Minhas appreciated the collective efforts of all stakeholders for their role in improving the Child Sex Ratio (CSR) at birth, which has now reached 936 surpassing both UT and the national average.
He acknowledged the positive trend as a significant achievement for the district and emphasized the need to sustain and build upon this momentum. He further stated that collective and targeted efforts are required to elevate the Child Sex Ratio in health blocks where the CSR at birth remains comparatively low.
“We must identify these areas and intensify awareness, enforcement, and community engagement to ensure equitable progress across all blocks,” he added. Earlier, Chief Medical Officer Kathua, Dr. Vijay Raina, briefed the committee on the status of 16 ultrasound clinics in the district, including 13 private centres and 3 government-run facilities.
Dr. Minhas highlighted the vital role of the PCPNDT Act in safeguarding the girl child and called for strict enforcement through regular and random inspections of ultrasound clinics. He also emphasized the need for innovative strategies, including decoy operations, to curb illegal sex determination practices and further improve the CSR in the district.
The DAC approved the registration of a new private ultrasound centre coming up near Dreamland Park in Kathua. Besides, the meeting also accorded approval for the renewal of the registration of three private Ultrasound centres.
The meeting was attended by Medical Superintendent Dr. Sangeeta Ajrawat, along with other DAC members and special invitees.
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