JK minister calls for effective measures to curb foeticide

Jammu, April 23: Asking enforcement agencies to take stern action against ultrasound clinics involved in conducting sex determination tests, the Jammu and Kashmir government today said there is an urgent need to improve the sex ratio and prevent female foeticide.

"There is an urgent need to improve the male and female sex ratio in the state and an effective mechanism is required to curb the menace of female foeticide," Minister for Health and Family Welfare Sham Lal Sharma said while speaking at a high-level meeting here.

He directed the enforcement agencies to gear up the surveillance system and take stern action against ultrasound clinics engaged in conducting sex determination.

The Minister was speaking at a high-level meeting and interactive workshop of officers held at Gandhi Nagar hospital, which was convened to review the implementation of PNDT Act in Jammu and Kashmir.

Stressing the need for coordinated efforts to achieve a common goal, the Minister asked the Deputy Commissioners to devote their time to deal with this sensitive issue.

He said a sharp decline in the ratio of the female child is an eye opener and shocking for all.

Sharma asked the deputy commissioners to constitute special squads to pay regular surprise visits of all the ultrasound clinics in their respective areas.

"It should be made mandatory for the ultrasound clinic owners to maintain the record of all the patients with their photographs for the purpose of verification," he said.

PTI