Itanagar, Nov 4: A one-day State level sensitization-cum-capacity building workshop on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PC&PNDT Act) was organized by the State Health Society and the Directorate of Family Welfare on Tuesday at Golden Orchid Hotel, Itanagar.
The workshop aimed to train medical officers-cum-district appropriate authorities (PC&PNDT), district programme officers, district coordinators (CEA), and other stakeholders on effective implementation of the PC&PNDT Act across the state.
Addressing the participants, Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) Vivek HP underscored the importance of mandatory registration of all ultrasound (USG) machines under the PC&PNDT Act. He emphasized that every ultrasound facility must be duly registered with the competent authority to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with the provisions of the Act.
He further cautioned that unregistered or unreported use of ultrasound equipment not only violates the law but also contributes to the social menace of gender-biased sex selection. The Secretary also urged all clinical establishments and diagnostic centres to ensure that their staff are adequately trained and aware of legal obligations.
Deputy Director of Family Welfare M Purkayastha gave an overview of the PC&PNDT Act and its implementation status in Arunachal Pradesh. Technical sessions were conducted by Dr S Wangju, HOD, Radiology & Imaging, TRIHMS, and Dr BT Tayeng, Sr Obstetrician and Gynecologist, who provided in-depth insights on diagnostic protocols and legal responsibilities under the Act.
In the second session, a presentation on Birth Registration and Aadhaar Enrollment (BRBAE) was held, focusing on the integration of newborn enrollment using the Birth Registration Number through the online Civil Registration System (CRS).
Dr Nani Rika, Director of Family Welfare-cum-State Appropriate Authority (PC&PNDT), stressed the need for proper record-keeping in hospitals and clinics and urged all facilities to strictly adhere to the Act’s provisions. He warned that non-compliance would invite strict action.
The workshop was attended by Mission Director (NHM) Marge Sora, Director of Health Services (DHS) Marbom Basar, DDFW Moyang Tali, and officials from various districts.