In a recent development, the Health Department has taken decisive action by suspending the licenses of three ultrasound centers located in Jagraon, Raikot, and Maachiwara. Additionally, show-cause notices have been issued to centers in Jagraon and Maachiwara, giving them three days to respond to the department’s concerns.
Following a comprehensive inspection, Civil Surgeon Dr. Jasbir Singh Aulakh found operational deviations during the assessment, which led to the suspension and show-cause warnings. On the 18th and 19th of March, Dr. Aulakh organized teams headed by Senior Medical Officers Dr. Varun Saggar and Dr. Ramesh to examine around fifteen ultrasonography centers located in Samrala, Maachiwara, Jagraon, and Raikot.
Many anomalies were discovered throughout these checks. It was found that the workers of one scanning center in Maachiwara had access to the premises while the registered doctor had been away for more than a month without informing the department. Serious questions concerning the facility’s management and oversight were raised by this protocol violation.
Similarly, differences were discovered in the responsibilities given to the registered physician at a scan center in Jagraon. The doctor was doing ultrasound testing in addition to echocardiography, as required by registration. Additionally, improper logging of patient records in the OPD register indicates a breach in record-keeping procedures.
Another infraction with the PCPNDT Act was discovered during the examination at the Raikot scanning center. The center’s disregard for legal and ethical requirements is evident in the fact that it neglected to save the crucial records required by the legislation, such as patient information forms that were not signed by officials or stamped.
After conducting a thorough examination and receiving a report, the Health Department promptly suspended the licenses of the three scan sites that were discovered to have violated the rules. In order to guarantee prompt adherence to regulatory instructions, the accountable Senior Medical Officers were also given instructions to seal the ultrasound machines at these sites.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Jasbir Singh emphasized that the primary objective of these checks was to enforce strict adherence to the PCPNDT Act, which aims to prevent sex-selective abortions and ensure ethical practices in ultrasound diagnostics. The actions taken against non-compliant centers reflect the department’s commitment to upholding legal and ethical standards in healthcare delivery.
The revocation of licenses and the sending of show-cause letters should serve as a caution to all healthcare facilities to strictly adhere to the law. It also emphasizes how crucial it is to conduct routine oversight and inspections in order to preserve the integrity and caliber of healthcare services offered to the general population.
