Delhi launches portal to prevent illegal sex determination

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh has launched a new portal to help stop illegal sex determination at ultrasound clinics. The portal, called the PC & PNDT portal, aims to improve enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act. This law is designed to prevent sex selection and combat female foeticide. The launch took place during a workshop at the Delhi Secretariat. Singh emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of sex determination, noting that it is a serious problem in society. He stated that Delhi should lead the way in fighting this issue as the national capital. The PC & PNDT portal will allow for better monitoring of diagnostic centers. It features automated submission of “Form F” at clinics, which helps replace manual processes with digital ones. It also includes a system for people to register complaints and receive real-time updates on compliance. During the workshop, Singh highlighted the efforts made by health officials in the past year. They conducted 627 inspections, resulting in numerous show cause notices and suspensions for violating the law. The workshop included participation from health officials, doctors, NGOs, and PC & PNDT nodal officers. Officials also shared details about ongoing awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to promote gender equality and the value of the girl child. Campaigns are being conducted through billboards, newspaper ads, and community programs, especially under the ‘Beti Utsav’ initiative.