The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has proposed revised application, registration and consent forms under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act, 1994.
It may be recalled that on October 18, 2023, the Central Supervisory Board (CSB) constituted under the Act held its 29th meeting. As a result of this meeting it was recommended that certain amendments should be introduced to further strengthen the effectiveness of the laws. One of these areas of amendments was the form arising out of the laws.
Proposed Changes in Forms
Application for Registration or Renewal of Registration – Form A
The new proposed form seeks detailed information about the applicant, the facility, and the services offered. It also includes specific requirements for the disposal of old ultrasound machines and other equipment to prevent their misuse for sex determination.
Applicants must provide information about all equipment, including old and obsolete machines, and their disposal plans. The form emphasizes the proper disposal of ultrasound machines in compliance with e-waste management rules.
Applicants need to disclose any links with other PNDT registered facilities.
Certificate of Registration – Form B
The new proposed certificate will provide detailed information about the registered facility, the services offered, and the equipment used. It will include a photograph of the applicant. The proposed certificate will include information about the facility’s type, ownership, location, and the names and qualifications of staff.
Details of all ultrasound machines and other equipment used for diagnostic procedures will be mentioned, along with their disposal plans.
Additionally, the proposed revised certificate will specifically mention the following procedures that are not specified in the current certificates.
A. non-invasive procedures:
a) Ultrasonography
b) MRI
c) CT Scan
d) NIPT
e) Sample collection for diagnostic techniques potential of sex selection and determination
B. Other approved diagnosis/ techniques/ procedures/ tests/analyses that are neither pre-conception
nor pre-natal:
a) Echocardiography
b) Ophthalmology
c) Urology
d) Veterinary purposes
C. Approved pre-conception and pre-natal diagnostic counselling facilities:
a) Pre-implantation and post- implantation gender diagnosis
b) Pre-natal and post natal diagnostic counselling
c) Pre-implantation gender diagnosis
d) Pre-natal diagnostic counselling
D. Details specifically approved for Genetic Clinic (Mobile):
a. Area of operation
b. Registration number of the vehicle
c. Other health and medical services
The revised format aims to improve transparency and accountability in the PNDT registration process. By providing more detailed information, the government can effectively monitor compliance with the PNDT Act and prevent illegal sex selection practices.
The new registration certificates will help in tracking the movement of ultrasound machines and ensuring their proper disposal. This will contribute to the overall efforts to curb the misuse of these machines.
The MOHFW has thus issued a public notice inviting comments on these proposed amendments. The deadline for submitting comments is September 23, 2024.
These comments 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.
