SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad , Jan 21: District health department today banned the use of portable ultrasound machines at diagnostic centers. It also decided to close down the testing labs operating without a qualified radiologist.
The decision was taken at the meeting of the district consultants committee on implementation of PC- PNDT Act. Civil surgeon (CS) Shyam Kishore Kant who chaired the meeting said that it was decided to seal the diagnostic centers using portable ultrasound machines with immediate effect.
However, officials said nursing homes have been exempted from using portable ultrasound machines and the order of the health department is applicable only on diagnostic centers.
“Moreover, it was also decided to seal the diagnostic centre functioning without the service of a radiologist. The centre would be opened only after it (centre) is informed about the service of the radiologist,” said the CS.
There are 68 registered diagnostic centers in the district and so far, only 51 have applied for registration.
“Health department would issue a show cause notice to them. If they fail to explain the real reason, centers would be sealed,” official of the health department said.
Officials said some ultrasound centers have licenses of operating but have no service of qualified radiologists to run it. Even Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH) was lacking radiologist service till last week. So, such centers have been warned to either deploy radiologists or close down the testing centre as per PC-PNDT Act.
Since sex ratio of Dhanbad district is alarming (only 918 girls on per 1000 boys), health department has ordered strict implementation of PC-PNDT Act.
