Bhubaneswar, 11 July (H.S.): The Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has intensified its enforcement drive against illegal sex selection and unauthorised medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) practices, sealing a registered ultrasound centre at Soro in Balasore district following a joint surprise inspection.

The inspection was conducted by the State Appropriate Authority under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act in coordination with the District Appropriate Authority, Balasore. The action was initiated suo motu after authorities received credible information regarding suspected violations of the PC & PNDT Act and other applicable laws.

A joint inspection team comprising district administrative and revenue officials carried out the operation under the supervision of the District Appropriate Authority. During the inspection, the premises were secured to prevent tampering with records and evidence while officials undertook a comprehensive verification of statutory documents, equipment, registers and compliance records.

According to the Health Department, the inspection revealed prima facie violations of the PC & PNDT Act and Rules. The alleged irregularities included non-submission of mandatory online Form F records for an extended period, failure to display the attending doctor's name, qualifications and registration number inside the ultrasound room, discrepancies in statutory documentation and other compliance-related lapses requiring legal scrutiny.

Officials also verified the State Online Form F portal and found that no records had been uploaded for the relevant reporting period, prompting further investigation into the matter.

During the inspection, the team also found materials and equipment indicating that medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) procedures may have been conducted at premises that were not registered under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. Relevant documents, equipment and other material evidence have been seized, while digital evidence collected during the inquiry is being examined separately as part of the ongoing investigation.

Based on the preliminary findings, proceedings have been initiated under the provisions of the PC & PNDT Act, the MTP Act, and other applicable laws. The department said statutory notices will be issued and further legal action will be taken after a detailed examination of the seized records and completion of the investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda