PC & PNDT workshop held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 10 2013: Under the guidance of Directorate of Family Welfare Services (PNDT Cell), Manipur the Manipur Women Coordinating Council, Canchipur organised a one-day workshop on 'IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities for effective implementation of PC & PNDT (Preconception & pre-natal diagnostic techniques) Act in Manipur' at Manipur Press Club today.

The workshop was inaugurated with Additional Director (Family Welfare) Dr K Rajo Singh, Council president A Bimola Devi and State Nodal Officer (PNDT) Dr Th Arunkumar Singh as the chief guest, functional president and guest of honour respectively.

In his address to the gathering, Dr Rajo said compared to low birth rate of girl child the percentage of death is very high in the country as well as in Manipur.

Cautioning that determination of sex of the unborn child and girl child infanticide are punishable under PC & PNDT Act, he also informed that clinics having ultra sound facility are required to submit relevant document (Form-F) to the Department concerned every six months.

Explaining that Form (F) is for the clinic to mandatorily maintain medical record of pregnant women to enable the department concerned close monitor whether the clinics are adhering to prescribed norms, Dr Rajo also voiced serious concern that in case female baby infanticide continues there might come a time when brides have to be purchased.

Speaking at the occasion, Council secretary L Laxmi Devi said the workshop is a joint initiative of the Directorate and ultra sound clinics of both Imphal East and West districts so as to understand rules on running clinics.

Moreover the workshop hopes to spread the message that pregnant women availing diagnostic facilities do not insist or request for girl child infanticide upon realising sex of the unborn child, Laxmi maintained informing that, inclusive of JNIMS and RIMS hospitals, Manipur has a total of 47 registered clinics/medical centres having ultra sound facility.

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