Balasore: A registered ultrasound facility at Soro was sealed by the Health department and Balasore district health officials on Thursday and Friday following a suo motu surprise inspection under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act.
The action was taken based on credible information regarding suspected violations at the centre. The inspection was carried out by a Joint Inspection Team comprising district administrative and revenue officers under the supervision of the District Appropriate Authority.
During the inspection, the premises were secured to prevent tampering with records and evidence.
Officials conducted a detailed verification of statutory documents, equipment, records and compliance requirements. The team found prima facie irregularities in compliance with the PC & PNDT Act and Rules.
These included non-submission of mandatory Online Form F records for an extended period, non-display of the name, qualification and registration number of the doctor in the ultrasound room, and discrepancies in statutory documentation.
Verification of the State Online Form F portal showed that no records were available for the relevant reporting period, warranting further investigation.
The inspection team also found material and equipment indicative of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) procedures at premises not registered under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.
Relevant documents, equipment and other material evidence have been seized.
Digital material received during the inquiry is being examined independently as part of the ongoing investigation. Based on the findings, proceedings are being initiated under the provisions of the PC & PNDT Act, the MTP Act and other applicable laws.
Statutory notices will be issued and further legal action will follow after completion of the investigation and scrutiny of evidence.
The Health & Family Welfare Department reiterated its commitment to preventing sex selection and eliminating female foeticide.
Officials said the department follows a policy of zero tolerance towards violations of laws enacted to protect the girl child and ensure ethical medical practice across Odisha.
