This story is from May 19, 2019

Karnataka: As sex ratio dips, Bidar puts tough rules in place

A woman in Bidar district in her second trimester of pregnancy can get scanning done only at a radiologist or a government hospital but not by a gynaecologist.
Karnataka: As sex ratio dips, Bidar puts tough rules in place
Illustration for representational purpose
BENGALURU: A woman in Bidar district in her second trimester of pregnancy can get scanning done only at a radiologist or a government hospital but not by a gynaecologist.
All because the baby's sex can be determined in the second trimester and the administration wants to prevent it.
It's part of the new rules put in place to strengthen the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostics Act (PCPNDT) in Bidar as sex ratio at birth (SRB) has hit a new low.
In 2018-19, Bidar district reported 926 (926 females for every 1,000 male babies born), a decline from 939 in 2017-18. The SRB state average in 2017-18 was 942.
It's the same case with Medical Termination of Pregnancies (MTP) in the second trimester which can be done only in government hospitals, except for emergencies. In such cases, a detailed report must be issued to the district family welfare officer.
In a bid to stop female foeticide post sex determination, the district administration issued a circular which says CCTV cameras should be installed in all scanning centres. The circular, a copy of which is with STOI, also mentions that all MTPs in the district must be investigated.
In April 2019, Bidar district's SRB fell to 918. "On April 29, the administration issued a notification banning medical termination of pregnancies in private hospitals and such cases should be referred only to government hospitals, except in emergencies," said Dr Indumati Patil, district family welfare officer.

New rule increases workload on govt hospitals: Association
Asking a gynaecologist not to conduct scanning is unfair as there could be cases of no fetal movement, bleeding during pregnancy and treatment is necessary, said Dr Vijayshree Bhashetty, president, Bidar Gynaecologists and Obstetricians’ Association.
“We’re with the government on strict implementation of the PCPNDT Act, but it should crack down on quacks involved in sex determination and female feticide. The current rule increases workload on government hospitals. When we refer a case to a government hospital for scanning, the waiting time increases. What if a woman carrying a Down’s Syndrome child completes 20th week while waiting for scanning and medical MTP that can be done only in government hospitals? MTP is not legally allowed post the 20th week in India. I’m afraid genuine cases will be impacted,” said Dr Vijayshree.
Dr Indumati Patil said the next 5-6 months will show the rules can be altered if they’re not workable.
Most cases in the district are referred to the government-run hospital attached to the Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences. “There are over 900 deliveries month in the Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences and around 300 are C-section deliveries. The new rule only adds to the burden of government hospitals,” said a doctor from Bidar.
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