Paper: GS – II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Governance, Issue: Reforming India’s Ultrasound Laws.
Context:
The new portable and AI-enabled ultrasound devices technology has created new possibilities for community-based cancer screening. However, the PCPNDT Act, 1994 restricts the movement and use of ultrasound machines outside registered centres, raising the need for careful reform.
Key Takeaways:
Problems with Old Provisions:
- The law was framed when ultrasound technology was largely centre-based and less advanced.
- It does not clearly distinguish between obstetric ultrasound (pregnancy-related ultrasound) and non-obstetric diagnostic uses.
- Moving machines outside registered centres can attract strict legal action.
- But now this is discouraging genuine medical outreach in rural and remote areas.
- Illegal sex-determination networks continue, showing that law alone cannot remove son preference.
- Excessive restrictions may unintentionally reduce access to useful diagnostic care.
Possible Benefits of Relaxation:
- Portable ultrasound enables community screening in large numbers, which can help screen breast lumps and support early cancer detection.
- Rural patients can avoid long travel, high costs and delayed diagnosis.
- As it is AI-enabled, these AI tools can assist trained health workers in image capture, identifying suspicious lumps and making referral decisions.
- High-frequency linear probes are useful for superficial body parts such as breast tissue and are not suitable for foetal sex determination.
Recommendations:
- Permit approved community use of ultrasound for non-obstetric purposes like cancer screening.
- Clearly separate cancer screening devices from obstetric ultrasound machines.
- Continue registration, authorised operators, digital tracking and audit trails.
- Build safeguards to prevent foetal sex determination.
- Retain strict penalties for misuse while enabling genuine healthcare access.
Conclusion:
The PCPNDT Act remains essential for preventing sex selection. But technology and healthcare needs have changed. A balanced reform can protect the girl child while expanding early diagnosis and rural healthcare access.
Source: (The Hindu)
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