Decision to install hidden CCTV cameras at sonography centres will deter practice, say experts
Decision to install hidden CCTV cameras at sonography centres will deter practice, say expertsTheu00a0civic body's decision to install CCTV cameras secretly at sonography centres and clinics that allegedly facilitate sex determination has evoked mixed reactions. While many said it was a good move to trap errant doctors, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) said communication and dialogue was a better option. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) took the formal decision yesterday with a view to tackle the skewed sex ratio in the state. Currently, the ratio is 883 females for every 1,000 males.u00a0
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PMC's hidden eye? CCTV cameras have been used successfully in
Kolhapur to trap centres conducting sex determination tests.
Representation pic Special squads"We are thinking of installing CCTV cameras at suspected sonography centres in the city. To begin with, four special squads shall swing into action from July 1 to check the credibility of such centres in the city. We shall submit our report on the action every three days to the municipal commissioner," said Dr R R Pardeshi, chief health officer, PMC.
Shrikant Pardeshi, district collector of Nanded, said a sting operation was using CCTV cameras would be effective only if their quality was good. He cited the example of a sting operation at a sonography centre in Nanded city where because of poor audio quality, the footage could not stand as proof in court. "It was sad the audio recording in the video footage was not audible," he said. "We must use CCTV cameras but of better quality."
CCTVs required Dr Sanjeev Khurd, president of POGS, said installing the CCTV cameras was a good idea for the larger interest of the society. "If there is a will, the government can enforce it correctly. In Kolhapur, this was successfully used to trap many centres. Doctors and patients should realise that they can be caught and sent to jail for sex determination," he said.
'Warning enough'
Ambrish Shahade, president of the IMA, Pune, was dismissive of the effectiveness of CCTV cameras. "We are warning our members to not conduct sex determination tests as it is absolutely illegal. We shall sensitise the IMA members and doctors involved in the illegal practice. We first talk to them (baat), then warn them (mulakat), isolate them IMA (laat) and finally, send them to jail (havalat). Our organisation can be used as medium to spot illegalities in the city," he said.
1994u00a0Anti sex determination law is passed
156 Sonography centres against whom action was taken by the state
47 Cases pending in the court
427 Total sonography centres in the city
38u00a0Number of doctors brought to book since 2001
