Bhubaneswar, July 11: The State Appropriate Authority under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act and the District Appropriate Authority, Balasore, jointly conducted surprise inspection of a registered ultrasound facility at Soro.

The inspection was conducted following credible information regarding suspected violations of the PC & PNDT Act and other applicable laws. The institution was sealed.

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 course of inspection, the premises were secured to prevent tampering with records and evidence, and a detailed verification of statutory documents, equipment, records and compliance requirements was undertaken.

The inspection revealed prima facie irregularities relating to compliance with the PC & PNDT Act and Rules, including 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, discrepancies relating to statutory documentation, and other violations requiring legal examination.

Verification of the State Online Form F portal indicated that no records were available for the relevant reporting period, warranting further investigation.

The inspection team also noticed 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 secured, while digital material received during the inquiry is being examined independently as part of the ongoing investigation. The Department will determine further action strictly on the basis of legally admissible evidence and in accordance with due process of law.

Based on the findings of the joint inspection, proceedings under the provisions of the PC & PNDT Act, the MTP Act and other applicable laws are being initiated. Appropriate statutory notices, examination of seized records, and further legal action shall be undertaken after completion of the investigation and scrutiny of all evidence.

The Health & Family Welfare Department reiterates its unwavering commitment to preventing sex selection, eliminating female foeticide and ensuring strict compliance with the PC & PNDT Act throughout Odisha. The Department has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards violations of laws enacted to protect the girl child and safeguard ethical medical practice.