Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the 29th meeting of the Central Supervisory Board (CSB) with a strong focus on combatting gender discrimination against girls and women in India. The declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) were prominent concerns, emphasizing the ongoing battle against sex-based discrimination and sex selection.
Dr. Mandaviya expressed optimism about the nation’s journey toward gender equality, citing the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) report of 2020. The report showed a significant improvement in SRB from 904 in 2017-19 to 907 in 2018-20, with 12 out of 22 surveyed states displaying progress, highlighting state efforts in implementing the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994 (PC&PNDT Act) and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme.
The Gender Gap also witnessed improvement, with a two-point decrease in 2020 compared to a five-point gap in 2015, indicating positive impacts on female survival rates in ten states.
Dr. Mandaviya acknowledged the challenges posed by modern technologies, such as IVF procedures and the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT), which can facilitate sex selection under the pretext of family balancing. He stressed the importance of combating the misuse of these technologies, which could worsen gender imbalances.
The central government, under the PC&PNDT Act, has taken the responsibility to address the misuse of medical technologies for sex determination and selection. The CSB members gathered to reiterate their commitment to enforcing the Act and fostering a supportive environment for the girl child in the country.
Dr. Mandaviya praised the proactive measures taken by states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu to combat gender-biased sex selection. These include innovative strategies such as sting operations and informer schemes. He encouraged other states and union territories to follow these examples and make significant contributions to this demographic issue.
The Minister expressed optimism about providing dedicated financial support under the National Health Mission (NHM) to strengthen the capacity of states and union territories to enforce the PC&PNDT Act. This support will establish Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) cells at state and district levels and intensify Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities related to this cause.
Union Health Secretary, Shri Sudhansh Pant, reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of women and children, emphasizing their protection, development, and holistic participation.
Smt. L S Changsan, Additional Secretary and MD (NHM), MoHFW, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to creating a deterrent against the misuse of medical techniques for sex determination and selection through central legislation. She shared that as of July 2023, reported cases under the PC&PNDT Act have risen to 3563 from 2048 in March 2015, with convictions increasing from 271 to 713 during this period. Additionally, the licenses of 145 convicted doctors have been suspended by their respective State Medical Councils. The Ministry has introduced 11 amendments in the rules over the years under the PC&PNDT Act to further reinforce its implementation.
Dr. Mandaviya concluded the meeting with an appeal for collective action to ensure the survival and well-being of the girl child in the nation, urging the medical community to play a vital role in addressing the declining Child Sex Ratio and Sex Ratio at Birth by identifying any wrongdoings within their profession. The CSB meeting witnessed unanimous commitment to addressing gender-based discrimination and promoting gender equality.
These achievements reflect the government’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of women and children in India, emphasizing gender equality and the survival, protection, and development of the girl child. #GenderEquality #ChildProtection #WomenEmpowerment #HealthcareForAll
