Bhadrak, July 15: The Health Department on Wednesday sealed an ultrasound machine at Salandi Hospital in Bhadrak following allegations of illegal fetal sex determination during a joint surprise inspection.

The raid was carried out by a team comprising senior Health Department officials, Additional District Magistrate Kartik Mandal, Bhadrak Town DSP Anil Pradhan, Drug Inspector Bhadrak-I Deepak Kumar Jena and Drug Inspector Bhadrak-II Dipti Ranjan Mahapatra.

During the inspection, the team allegedly detected illegal sex determination tests being conducted through the hospital's ultrasound facility, a practice prohibited under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.

Officials also found alleged irregularities in the medical store operating under the hospital's name. According to the inspection team, the hospital authorities failed to produce purchase and sales records, invoices and other relevant documents related to the pharmacy.

As the management could not provide satisfactory documentation during the raid, the Health Department sealed the ultrasound machine suspected to have been used for the illegal activity. The hospital owner, Dr. P.K. Mohanty, has been given four days to submit the required documents and explain the discrepancies.

The action comes amid an intensified crackdown by the Health Department on alleged irregularities in medical establishments across Bhadrak. Following media reports on the illegal sale and distribution of medicines in several pharmacies, drug inspectors have been conducting regular inspections in the district.

The joint operation by the district administration and the Health Department against the alleged violations at a prominent private hospital has triggered widespread discussion in Bhadrak.