The Jharkhand state health department has announced a stringent three-month inspection drive targeting more than 1,000 ultrasound centres across the state. The initiative aims to curb illegal prenatal sex determination, sex-selective practices, and lapses in patient care.
Background of the Drive
The decision follows action against several centres for alleged violations of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. In May 2025, a clinic in Garhwa was sealed, and its owner was jailed for using unauthorised ultrasound machines. In April 2025, two ultrasound centres in Chatra's Barhi block were sealed after inspections found them operating without authorised doctors.
Review Meeting and Directives
On Monday, Jharkhand National Health Mission director Shashi Prakash Jha chaired a review meeting with civil surgeons-cum-nodal officers of PCPNDT, executive magistrates, and health officials from all districts. He directed strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act during the upcoming drive to plug monitoring gaps, prevent misuse of diagnostic facilities for sex determination, and check other lapses.
Jha instructed all districts to mandatorily inspect every ultrasound centre and clinic within their jurisdiction within three months. He added, "Districts were instructed to formulate monthly inspection plans to ensure the quality of the inspection. In districts having high numbers of ultrasound centres and clinics, multiple inspection teams will be formed to conduct time-bound inspections."
Stringent Actions Planned
State PCPNDT co-ordinator Rafat Farzana stated, "Rather than conducting routine inspections, emphasis will be given to taking stringent action against the violators during the drive. The drives will be conducted by district inspection and monitoring committees led by deputy commissioners in each district. A target has been fixed to complete the drive within three months during the meeting. Clinics failing to meet any parameters of the PCPNDT Act will be sealed during the drive."
Garhwa civil surgeon Dr John F Kennedy appealed to the public, saying, "Garhwa has 35 registered ultrasound centres and we appeal to people to provide information of any centres operating illegally."
The drive is expected to significantly reduce illegal sex determination practices and improve compliance with healthcare regulations in the state.
