The symposium on PCPNDT Act was held on May 19, 2013, at the IMA hall. The meeting was arranged by the IMA Dehradun Branch for the members to address their grievances and certain clarifications by the Appropriate Authorities (AA) on the implementation of the PCPNDT Act.
The invitees for the meeting included the District Magistrate, Dr. B V R C Purshottam, the CMO, Dr. R P Bhatt and Dr. O P Bansal, Secretary, Central Advisory Board PCPNDT Act and also the Secretary General, Indian Radiology & Imaging Association (ARIA).
Dr. Ruchi Sethi was the master of the ceremony and started the proceedings by inviting, Padamshri Dr. R K Jain, who shared his views in general regarding the lack of uniformity in the interpretation of the said act by the AA. He outlined various problems faced by the hospitals in complying with the norms of the act, but reassured that the act being the law of the land should and would be followed.
The second speaker was Dr. O P Bansal from Delhi who enlightened the house about many misconceptions held by the doctors as to the requirements to be fulfilled by sonologists to comply with the PCPNDT Act. His presentation clarified many misconceptions regarding PCPNDT Act.
The third speaker was Dr. Sumita Prabhakar, who on behalf of FOGSI highlighted various issues concerning the gynecologists and the PCPNDT Act.
This was followed by the Question & Answer session, moderated by Col. Dr. Harish Bhatia. On the dais responding to the queries were the DM, the CMO & Dr. O P Bansal.
Q 1. Do procedures (FNAC, Abscess drainage, etc.) not related to the gravid uterus fall under the preview of PCPNDT Act?
A: in reply it was clarified that procedures carried out on non gravid uterus do not fall under the preview of the PCPNDT Act.
Q 2. Is ID proof of patient for USG in pregnancy mandatory? In absence of the ID proof of patient what alternative ID does the AA recommend?
A: it was clarified by the AA that patient ID is not mandatory under the Act, however it was advantageous to have a valid ID proof. It was further clarified that in absence of the patient’s ID, the ID of the attendant would suffice. It was also stated that in case of emergency, the health of the patient would take precedent over ID proof.
Q 3. What are the rules for the buy back of USG machines by company under exchange?
A: it was stated by the AA, that for buy back of USG machines, prior intimation is to be given to the AA. However, their permission is not required. It was also stated by the AA that a time frame is to be adhered to for disposal of the machine. In case the machine is in the premises after buy back for duration of more than six months, then re-intimation is to be given by the seller to the AA.
Q 4. Whether the USG machine is to be registered in the name of the centre or the sonologist? Is separate registration required for different machines at one centre?
A: the AA stated that registration of the centre is to be done and the various machines in the centre have to be mentioned in the registration along with the model number. The sonologists working in the centre have to be mentioned to the AA.
Q 5. What are the rules for sonologists working at more than two places?
A: Dr. O P Bansal stated that the Delhi High Court has given a stay order in this regard. The DM clarified that AA will follow the Delhi High Court order, thus implying that sinologists can work at more than two centers after fulfilling the required criteria.
Q 6. What are the provisions for correction of errors in online filling of the form F?
A: it was stated by the AA that the form F can be corrected when the physical copy of the form is deposited with the AA. E mail correction should be sent as soon as possible and the provision for the same will be made by the AA.
Q 7. What are the criteria of self referral of pregnant patients by the sonologist?
A: it was stated that by the AA that self referral can be done by the sonologist, provided that a copy of the detailed clinical records are kept.
Q 8. Whether trackers are to be installed on the USG machines?
A: it was stated by the AA that trackers are not to be installed.
Q 9. Should form F be filled for ovum pick up procedure in IVF patients?
A: it was clarified by the AA form F is not be filled for ovum pick up procedure in IVF patients.
Dr Alok Ahuja proposed a resolution to “SAVE THE GIRL CHILD” (copy attached) which was read by the secretary and was adopted by IMA Dehradun.
The CMO Dehradun, Dr. R P Bhatt, spoke about the PCPNDT Act and emphasized that the act was a central act and had to be abided by all keeping the spirit of the act in mind.
The District Magistrate, Dr. B V R C Purshottam, concluded the symposium by addressing the audience and emphasizing on the better collaboration between the AA and the IMA Dehradun so that Uttrakhand may become an ideal state to set right the imbalance in the sex ratio at birth. He proposed further such interactions be encouraged for clarifications of the PCPNDT act. He also suggested that a symposium on a similar platform be organized for the better understanding and coordination of the clinical establishment act.
The meeting ended over a vote of thanks and was followed by fellowship and dinner.