HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, July 31: The District Advisory Committee held an awareness meeting in Haflong to strengthen implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, 1994, and to combat female foeticide.
The meeting took place at the office of the Additional Chief Medical & Health Officer (Family Welfare) and focused on raising awareness and ensuring compliance with legal provisions.
Related Posts:
According to an official statement, the meeting was chaired by Dr Jesmin Begum, Joint Director of Health Services, Dima Hasao.
She reviewed the status of ultrasound clinics across the district.
Dr Marina Changsan, Additional Chief Medical & Health Officer, informed the gathering that there are currently seven ultrasound centres operating in the district—six in Haflong and one in Umrangso.
However, she noted that the existing facilities are inadequate to meet the needs of residents in remote areas, many of whom travel elsewhere for such services.
The discussion highlighted the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and deployment of qualified personnel.
The meeting reiterated that sex determination is a punishable offence under the PC-PNDT Act and called for strict enforcement to prevent misuse of diagnostic techniques.
Officials stressed that female foeticide is a serious crime and that collective action is needed to eliminate the practice and ensure a balanced sex ratio.
While acknowledging that Haflong currently has a healthy male-female ratio, all members present pledged to work together to uphold the law, deter female foeticide, and foster a society that respects and values the girl child.
The meeting was attended by Dr Jesmin Begum, Dr Marina Changsan, and other district-level officials and stakeholders.
