Says circular banning mobile sonography machines and restricting practice illegal
Says circular banning mobile sonography machines and restricting practice illegal
The health ministry is in a spot of bother, thanks to its officials who have spoken out too much and too soon.
After making press statements on the tough decisions taken by the health ministry to curb sex-selective abortions like restricting number of clinics visited by radiologists as well as banning mobile sonography machines, state officials will now have to contend with a legal notice sent by the association of radiologists.
After the meeting by health ministry, minutes of which were shared by state officials with the local municipal authorities, the latter swung into action and issued instructions to radiologists in their respective cities and councils asking them to stop mobile sonography and practising at more than two clinics.
"We received copies of the circular issued by corporations in Dhule, Nashik, Mira-Bhayander Corporation in Mumbai, among others. These tell radiologists that they cannot be attached to more than one sonography clinic and also that the machines cannot be moved from place to place. These circulars are completely illegal and the law mentions no such thing. We have sent legal notice to family welfare officials for overriding the law," said Dr Jignesh Thakker, secretary, Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA).
According to Thakker, members of the IRIA had written many complaints stating that the local corporations had started harassing radiologists asking for details on number of centres they were attached to, which two centres they would continue at in future, among others.
While the IRIA issued the notices to family welfare bureau, state officials claim that they have no idea of the action take by municipal corporations. "We didn't ask any municipal corporations to take action. In fact, this matter was merely under discussion and we have submitted a proposal to the central ministry to amend the Pre Conception Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. We know that we are not authorised to issue any such orders before amendment in law and we will look into the matter and issue instructions to those corporations who have already asked for implementation of our suggestions," said Dr Suresh Gupta, additional director, family welfare bureau.
The IRIA has also issued notices to state health department and the family welfare bureau holding them responsible for any deaths or complications that arise due to the recent confusion. "If patients are elderly, bed-ridden, pregnant women who are bleeding and a radiologist is required to visit such patients and conduct basic sonography to diagnose and start treatment, it cannot be done. Such situations can lead to complications and be fatal as well. However, due to confusion and fear created by the state family welfare bureau's circulars, radiologists will stop home visits. So whatever happens as a consequence is the responsibility of the state officials," said Thakker.
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