The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) is proposing to regulate processing time for registration and renewal applications under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act, 1994. This proposed amendment was introduced on the recommendation of the Central Supervisory Board (CSB) in its 29th meeting on October 18, 2023.
The CSB is constituted under the PC&PNDT Act to strengthen the law. During its 29th meeting, the CSB proposed several changes to the Act and its Rules.
Key Changes Proposed
Reduced Processing Time
The proposed amendments aim to expedite the decision-making process for registration and renewal applications, with a target turnaround time of 70 days.
Moreover, the proposed amendments also set timelines for rejection of registration and renewal applications. The decision for rejection of such applications must be communicated to the applicants within 70 days from the date of receipt of the applications.
Additionally, an enquiry for the grant of registration, including inspection at the premises must be carried out by the authority within a period of 30 days from the date of receipt of application for registration.
Surrender of Original Certificates
The amendments also introduce timelines for surrendering original registration certificates. On receipt of the renewed certificate of registration in duplicate or on receipt of communication of rejection of application for renewal, both copies of the earlier certificate of registration shall be surrendered immediately within a period of 7 days to the Appropriate Authority.
In the event of change of ownership or management or on ceasing to function as a Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic or Imaging Centre, both copies, of the certificate of registration shall be surrendered within a period of 30 days from the date of receipt of application for registration to the Appropriate Authority.
The proposed amendments will benefit healthcare providers by reducing administrative burdens and allowing them to focus on patient care. It will also ensure faster access to essential services for the public.
The government is seeking public feedback on these proposed changes before finalizing the amendments. The deadline for submitting feedback is September 23, 2024.
This feedback can be submitted electronically at pndtmohfw@gmail.com or by sending a written letter to the Ministry’s address: Under Secretary (PNDT), Room No. 757, A-Wing, 7th Floor, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi 110 001.
