JOIN USR'than alert over portable USG machines to save unborn girls
The Rajasthan government has issued an alert to check possible use of unauthorised portable Chinese ultrasound sonography machines in the state.
Letters have also been sent to all district medical officers and collectors to launch campaigns to find out if such machines are being used to determine the sex of foetuses.
Sources said the health department swung into action after such machines were found operating in Haryana.
The officers have to prepare a time-bound action plan and ensure daily reporting to the headquarters. “Not a single case has been traced so far that justifies the presence of these Chinese-made small-size machines in Rajasthan,” a health department senior official said.
“But to be on the safe side, we have asked all districts to be vigilant and undertake a campaign to see whether these machines are being used in state,” the official added.
According to officials, the device is very small and can be easily transported to any place. Some devices were recently seized in neighouring Haryana state and the possibility of their entry into Rajasthan cannot be denied.
District medical officers along with collectors have undertaken a drive to fix ultrasound machines at a permanent place in all the diagnostic centres in their districts.
“The very first move is to fix and seal ultrasound machines at a permanent place in all diagnostic centres. Once the fixture is complete, it will be easy to trace illegal machines. Any movable machine caught later will be illegal,” Chief Medical Officer of Jhunjhunu district Dr S N Dholpuria said.
The state government has launched a promotional drive ‘Mukhbir Yojna’, under which a reward of Rs 1 lakh will be given anybody who gives information about illegal sex determination.
The Pre-Conception Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique cell has asked the government to equally reward women, who become proxy patients and help the team during the trap. The cell also started toll-free helpline number 104 in all districts.