Call on using MCOCA against doctors involved in illegal sex determination rackets to be taken during next session of state legislature: Abitkar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: State minister for public health and family welfare Prakash Abitkar on Thursday said that the final call on invoking the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against doctors and syndicates involved in illegal sex determination rackets would be taken during the next session of the state legislature."The proposal has been sent to the state law and judiciary department for its opinion. The proposed action also involves increasing penalties under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. Female foeticide is a very serious issue and warrants stringent action," Abitkar said.The minister also underlined the need for more official vigilance, especially in vulnerable areas of Marathwada, to prevent illegal sex determination.Notably, the proposal for slapping MCOCA against doctors and syndicates found repeatedly involved in illegal sex determination was discussed during the last session of the state legislature as well to collect feedback. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has expressed its apprehensions over the proposed action.Addressing the media on Thursday, Abitkar also said the response time of govt ambulance services available on 102 and 108 will be evaluated for every district. "There is need for official intervention and necessary action against authorities, if need be, to avoid any major lag in reaching out to patients and families seeking govt ambulance services," he said.Abitkar said advanced drug detection machines for checking the quality of drug supply to state-run hospitals will be made available to every division in the state soon.On the progress of the upcoming 400-bed women and child hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the minister said the crucial public health facility will be thrown open to the public in the next couple of months. "Staff approval and an additional Rs89 crore in funds needed for the hospital will be provided soon," he said.Earlier, Abitkar inaugurated the regional workshop held for officers and staffers for effective implementation of the ‘My Village, A Healthy Village' campaign of state govt. He appealed to all agencies to work with full dedication and to the best of their capacity to ensure the success of the campaign.