Bhubaneswar: Six illegal ultrasound clinics were sealed across the state from 2024 to 2026, during which six machines seized, police complaints were filed, and disciplinary action was initiated against doctors concerned. It was revealed during a review meeting of the State Supervisory Board under the PC & PNDT Act, chaired by state health and family welfare minister Mukesh Mahaling here on Monday.The meeting discussed measures to improve Odisha’s sex ratio and strategies for districts with poor indicators, besides deciding to strengthen district-level committees, and intensify inspection and monitoring of ultrasound clinics.Mahaling said public awareness would get special emphasis. Awareness drives will target medical colleges, healthcare providers and prospective parents, he added.The board said improvement in the sex ratio requires effective enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act through strict regulation, legal action, community participation and inter-departmental coordination. It also reviewed technology-based measures to strengthen implementation.Odisha has introduced online registration and renewal of ultrasound facilities, online Form F reporting, coordination with Odisha Council of Medical Registration to verify registered medical practitioners, and Abha-based beneficiary authentication. These steps had improved transparency, accountability and monitoring, officials said.While reviewing the enforcement action from 2024 to 2026, it was revealed that the district authorities conducted 649 inspections, while state authorities carried out 11. “Inspections by authorities appointed under the Act will be intensified, with strict action against illegal sex selection,” Mahaling said.Informants reporting unregistered ultrasound clinics, sex selection or illegal sex determination will receive Rs 25,000. Jajpur topped the Sex Ratio at Birth rankings; Nayagarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Ganjam and Khurda were at the bottom of the list, sources said.
