The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh said it will install tracking devices on all ultrasound scanners in the state in an effort to avoid female feticide, according to a June 23 article in the Indian Express.
The move is just one of several aimed at stopping the process of sex-selective abortions, according to Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur. He said the "tracking device" installations would be carried out in a phased manner on all government and private ultrasound machines in the state, according to the article.
The Himachal Pradesh government will be responsible for installing the devices, and regular inspections will be conducted by chief medical officers and block medical officers in their respective areas, Singh said. He vowed that strict action will be taken on complaints under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, according to the story.
The state also increased the reward money payable for furnishing information about female feticide to 10,000 rupees ($147). Finally, the government said it will launch a massive campaign to increase awareness of female feticide, with the help of nongovernmental organizations and accredited social health activist workers, the Indian Express reported.
Allegations of illegal use of ultrasound for fetal sex determination have led to several incidents and conflict with radiologists lately in India. Earlier this month, radiologists in India's Maharashtra state went on strike to support a radiologist they believe was wrongly accused of performing sex-determination tests, and the local chapter of the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association demanded the government stop its "harassment" of radiologists.
