CHANDIGARH — Initiating a major administrative crackdown on monitoring lapses in demographic welfare, the Haryana government has suspended four medical officers, including three senior doctors, with immediate effect. The severe disciplinary measure follows an alarming state review revealing a sharp, sudden decline in Haryana’s Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) during the first four months of 2026.
The suspension orders, issued by the health department, cite a failure to properly monitor and implement measures for improving the sex ratio, prompting disciplinary action.
Affected Officials and Reassignment
According to the Haryana Department of Health and Family Welfare, the suspended officials include Senior Medical Officers Dr. Tina Anand, Dr. Vijay Parmar, and Dr. Satpal, along with MO Dr. Prabha, attached to various district offices following allegations of inadequate tracking of high-risk cases.
Plummeting Demographic Data
The crackdown followed a review of Jan-Apr 2026 data, showing the state SRB falling to 898 girls per 1,000 boys. This marks a significant drop from the 2025 high of 923. While regions like Karnal maintained strong ratios, failures in areas like Sonipat and Rohtak triggered action. Additional Chief Secretary Misra emphasized strict enforcement of the PC&PNDT and MTP Acts, calling for increased raids on illegal sex-determination centers.
Medical Association Outcry
The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) has urged Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to reverse the suspensions, calling them “unjust, hasty, and irrational”. They argue that blaming medical officers for complex, deep-rooted social biases is unfair and demoralizing for staff already managing heavy workloads.
