Two medical institutions were shutdown by authorities in Hyderabad on Wenesday for conducting sex determination tests and violating the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PNDT).
District Health and Medical Officer Dr Sarala along with officials of a joint task force, raided and closed Jyothi Reproductive Health Centre in Ameerpet and Sujatha Scanning Centre in Yusufguda.
The operation was conducted after a tip-off, along with evidence which had been submitted, following which the joint task force was constituted by Hyderabad district Collector Yogitha Rana.
“Stringent action will be taken against those who violate the act. Those who encourage and participate in sex determination will also be prosecuted under the Act," Rana said in a press release.
Besides seizing the medical equipment at both institutions, officials said that the licenses of two doctors would be revoked. Two Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) were also suspended.
Warning that stringent action will be taken against those involved in such activities, the Hyderabad Collector also said that people can call on toll-free number 1098 or (040-2320-2351) to inform them of any such cases.
This came a day after the Hyderabad High Court ordered the city police to shutdown a nursing home that had been accused of performing illegal abortions and female foeticides.
A city-based resident had accused Gayathri Nursing Home at Saidabad of promoting female foeticide and approached the High Court to take legal action against those involved in the racket.
The court sought to know what action had been taken and questioned the state government’s inaction against the nursing home’s management. On learning that the management of the home was yet to be detained in spite of the video evidence submitted by the petitioner, the court directed the authorities to ensure that the place was shut down until further orders.
The court told the city police to file an action taken report by April 17