Srinagar, May 2: After the alarming drop in the sex ratio, several doctors have come under the scanner of the Government who are reportedly involved in prenatal sex-determination at private clinics.
 The move follows the Census 2011 which shows low sex ratio in the age group of 0-6 years in the state as compared to the Census 2001. The Census reveals fall in sex ratio to 859 whereas it was 941 according to Census 2001.
 Official sources claimed that the doctors who were performing prenatal sex-determination were involved in abortions as well. “There are only 41 qualified radiologists in Kashmir whereas unqualified medicos have outnumbered them. Due to the dearth of radiologists, unqualified persons are performing USG in several clinics and have come under the notice of the Health department,” said a top official.
 Some of the doctors, sources informed, were using mobile USG machines. “Such doctors are more in number who carry the machines along in their vehicles without any prescribed qualification and registration. They are mainly involved in sex-determination,” they said, adding that this issue was raised in a meeting of Health department recently.
 Sources said the unqualified doctors who were performing USG illegally were given a few weeks training in Government hospitals due to shortage of manpower there. However, they started earning money through it by doing private practice which is illegal. Above 100 USG clinics are running in the Valley, among them only 22 having prenatal diagnostic techniques registered with the Health department. The registered centres have to obey some prescribed guidelines.
 The guideline specifies: Qualified Radiologist, an area of 500 sqft, machines registered with Health department, washroom, No objection certificate of Pollution Control Board and municipal bodies, Form ‘F’ to be submitted to the Health department monthly.
 This, sources told Greater Kashmir, is least ensured by majority of the clinics who were sealed in a drive against the unregistered clinics in past week. “Form ‘F’ is must that has to be submitted by the clinics to the department. If they fail, they are liable to cancellation of registration,” said experts.
 Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman, admitted that doctors were under scanner for practicing USG illegally.
 “They had done some training due to shortage of manpower in hospitals. However they started doing practice in clinics which they were not supposed to do. We are going to prosecute them,” informed Dr Saleem.
 Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Sham Lal Sharma, told Greater Kashmir that those under scanner included Radiologists, Gynecologists and a few institutions.
 “We have identified a few doctors and institutions are under surveillance. They are involved in prenatal sex-determination and abortion. In south and north Kashmir, 3-4 doctors are using mobile clinics,” said Sharma. “They have been identified. We will catch them red-handed.”

Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 3 May 2011 00:00:00 IST