Government to crack down on over 1,000 ultrasound centres in Jharkhand

Ranchi: In a bid to curb illegal prenatal sex determination, sex-selective practices and lapses in patient care, the state health department will launch a stringent three-month inspection drive covering more than 1,000 ultrasound centres across the state.

The decision comes after action against several centres for alleged violations of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.

In May, 2025, a clinic in Garhwa was sealed and its owner jailed for allegedly using unauthorised ultrasound machines. In Chatra’s Barhi block, two ultrasound centres were sealed in April, 2025 after inspections found them operating without authorised doctors.

Jharkhand National Health Mission director Shashi Prakash Jha on Monday chaired a review meeting with civil surgeons-cum-nodal officers of PCPNDT, executive magistrates and health officials from all districts. He directed strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act during the upcoming drive to plug monitoring gaps, prevent misuse of diagnostic facilities for sex determination and check other lapses. During the meeting, Jha asked all districts to mandatorily inspect every ultrasound centre and clinic within their jurisdiction within three months. “Districts were instructed to formulate monthly inspection plans to ensure the quality of the inspection. In districts having high numbers of ultrasound centres and clinics, multiple inspection teams will be formed to conduct time-bound inspections,” Jha added.

State PCPNDT co-ordinator Rafat Farzana said, “Rather than conducting routine inspections, emphasis will be given to taking stringent action against the violators during the drive. The drives will be conducted by district inspection and monitoring committees led by deputy commissioners in each district. A target has been fixed to complete the drive within three months during the meeting. Clinics failing to meet any parameters of the PCPNDT Act will be sealed during the drive.” Garhwa civil surgeon Dr John F Kennedy said, “Garhwa has 35 registered ultrasound centres and we appeal to people to provide information of any centres operating illegally.”