The issue of hysterectomies performed on women sugarcane laborers is highly sensitive and serious. The state Health Minister instructed that surgeries must be conducted strictly as per the government-prescribed protocol, an official statement said
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar called the issue sensitive and serious
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Tuesday said that the government will take strict action against hospitals performing illegal or unnecessary hysterectomies.
He stated that monitoring will be done under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act to stop such practices.
"In order to prevent unnecessary hysterectomies, monitoring will be carried out through the vigilance committee under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. Strict action will be taken against those performing illegal and unnecessary hysterectomies on women, stated Hon. Health Minister Prakash Abitkar,"an official statement said.
It said that a recent newspaper report claimed that some hospitals in Beed district of Maharashtra were carrying out unnecessary hysterectomies on women who work in sugarcane fields. In response, Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Chitra Wagh requested a meeting to address the issue. Taking the matter seriously, Health Minister Abitkar held a meeting at his office.
Attendees included Minister of State for Health Meghana Sakore-Bordikar, MLC Chitra Kishor Wagh, Public Health Commissioner Amgothu Shree Ranga Nayak, Director of Health Services Dr Nitin Ambadekar, Dr Vijay Kandevad, and other senior officials. Some joined via video conference, it said.
Abitkar called the issue sensitive and serious.
"The issue of hysterectomies performed on women sugarcane laborers is highly sensitive and serious. The state Health Minister instructed that surgeries must be conducted strictly as per the government-prescribed protocol. He also directed the formation of district-level committees to monitor complaints regarding illegal hysterectomies," officials said on Tuesday.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the uterus, also known as the womb.
Abitkar instructed that all surgeries must follow official medical guidelines. He also ordered the creation of district-level committees to investigate complaints and ensure proper checks before any hysterectomy is done, it said.
Hospitals are now required to submit regular reports, and health department teams will verify whether hysterectomies are medically justified, the statement said.
Rural hospital authorities must also give final approval for each case, it said.
The Minister stressed the importance of educating women about the health risks of unnecessary hysterectomies. He warned that any neglect of women's health would not be accepted, the statement said.
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