Check unethical practice of sex selection: Azad

With growing misuse of new technologies posing a challenge to health authorities to counter gender biased sex selection, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today called upon all stakeholders to act in partnership with government to check the unethical practice.
Azad, who chaired the 21st meeting of Central Supervisory Board (CSB) on Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act said this will go a long way in influencing public opinion and shaping a positive environment to save, protect and nurture girl child.
He said new challenges keep emerging with each passing day as blood tests that disclose the sex of a foetus are available on the internet and ultrasound procedures on mobile phones.

It was also disclosed that out of 288 cases filed last year, 116 convictions have been secured under PC & PNDT Act and licences of 53 doctors suspended by State Medical Councils.
In his opening remarks, Azad said his Ministry has increased its engagement with states to identify and address challenges in the implementation of the Act.
As per the Annual Health Survey 2011, sex ratio at birth in urban areas is lower than the rural areas except Rajasthan as there is still preference for a son and discrimination against the girl child in India.

Against this backdrop, mushrooming of ultrasound diagnostic facilities has made implementation of the law difficult.

To deal with the challenging socio-cultural attitudes, government has put in place a comprehensive and innovative and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy for promoting positive attitudes to ensure survival and protection of the girl child.
Rs 30 crore has been provided to states under National Rural Health Mission for PNDT-related activities during 2013-14.