Navi Mumbai: To strengthen the implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recently organized a workshop for radiologists, gynecologists, and PCPNDT-registered centre owners. The event, held on February 18 at Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital, aimed to spread awareness about the law’s regulations and the importance of preventing gender-based fetal selection.
Under the guidance of NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, the municipal corporation has been enforcing the PCPNDT Act, which was amended in 2003 to curb sex determination practices. Currently, 190 registered centres operate under the law within NMMC’s jurisdiction, undergoing quarterly inspections and F-Form audits to ensure compliance. In a move to streamline the registration process, NMMC has also launched an online application system at https://app.nmmconline.in for new applicants.
The workshop was attended by Dr. Prashant Jawade, Medical Health Officer, Dr. Ratnaprabha Chavan, Assistant Health Officer, NMMC, Dr. Rajiv Rao, Dean of Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. Vivek Jagtap, President of the Radiologist Association, Dr. Rahul Vani, Former President of the Gynecologist Association, and Dr. Shailesh Sanghani, Former President of the Maharashtra Radiologist Association. Members of NMMC’s PCPNDT Advisory Committee, including Dr. Rajesh Mhatre, Dr. Uddhav Khilare, Advocate Abhay Jadhav, and Dr. Laxman Thadani, were also present.
NMMC workshop educates medical professionals on PCPNDT Act compliance to prevent gender-based fetal selection | File Photo
During the session, Dr Jawade stressed the dangers of gender-based fetal selection, calling it a socially destructive practice that can lead to a severe gender imbalance. He urged medical professionals to strictly adhere to the legal guidelines and emphasized that any violations within NMMC’s jurisdiction would be treated as a serious offense. He reminded attendees that female foeticide is a crime against society and will not be tolerated.
Dr. Chavan provided a detailed explanation of the key provisions of the PCPNDT Act, covering mandatory record-keeping, penal provisions, and ethical guidelines for registered centers. She also discussed the Code of Conduct, ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) regulations, and the Surrogacy Law.
“The workshop concluded with an interactive question and answer session, where Dr. Jawade and Dr. Chavan addressed concerns raised by attending doctors. The event witnessed over 200 medical professionals participating, highlighting the strong engagement and commitment of the medical community in ensuring compliance with the PCPNDT Act,” said the spokesperson of NMMC.
As part of its ongoing efforts to maintain a balanced gender ratio in Navi Mumbai, NMMC has urged citizens to report illegal sex determination practices through the official website http://amchimulgimaha.in or by calling the toll-free helpline 18002334475. Informants' identities will be kept confidential, and those providing verified information leading to a conviction may be eligible for a Rs1,00,000 reward, as per government regulations.
Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has called on all citizens to remain vigilant and report any illegal activities related to female foeticide, emphasizing that public cooperation is essential to enforcing the law and ensuring gender equality in society.
