SAMBA, NOVEMBER 3: A one-day sensitization workshop on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act was organized Monday under the Chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Jagdish Singh in the presence of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Vidhi Bhatial; Assistant Director DHS Jammu, Dr. Summi Thakur; Law Officer, Shivali Gupta; Block Medical Officers (BMOs), Nodal Officers and public and private sonologists, gynecologists, pediatricians, proprietors and NGO representatives.
The workshop aimed to enhance awareness and understanding among medical practitioners, health officials and other stakeholders regarding the provisions, rules and regulations of the PCPNDT Act. The Act seeks to prevent the misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques and curb the practice of sex selection, thereby promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of the girl child.
Addressing the participants, ADC Jagdish Singh emphasized the importance of strict implementation of the PCPNDT Act and called upon all stakeholders to work collectively towards eradicating gender-based discrimination. He highlighted that effective monitoring and compliance at every level are crucial to uphold the spirit of the Act.
CMO Dr. Vidhi Bhatial elaborated the key objectives of the Act, including the regulation of diagnostic techniques, ensuring accountability of registered medical practitioners and promoting awareness about gender-sensitive practices in healthcare. She urged the medical fraternity to maintain transparency in record-keeping and adhere to the legal provisions to prevent any violations.
Dr Simmi Thakur presented a Powerpoint presentation on the importance of this act, while Shivali Gupta conducted detailed sessions on the legal framework, reporting procedures and responsibilities of clinics and ultrasound centers under the PCPNDT Act.
The workshop also featured interactive session and case-based learning to help participants understand the practical aspects of its implementation.
The workshop concluded with a collective pledge to strengthen coordination between the health department and enforcement agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the PCPNDT Act in the district and to uphold the objective of safeguarding the girl child.
