HCMSA Calls Action “Unjust and Irrational”, Says Social Factors Behind Declining Sex Ratio Must Be Addressed
The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) has strongly opposed the Haryana health department’s decision to suspend three Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) and one Medical Officer (MO) over alleged lapses linked to the state’s low sex ratio.
Describing the move as “unjust and irrational,” the association has urged Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to intervene and revoke the suspension orders.
The suspensions reportedly followed concerns regarding monitoring and implementation of measures aimed at improving the sex ratio in certain districts of the state.
HCMSA Says Doctors Alone Cannot Be Blamed
Speaking on the issue, Dr Anil Yadav, President of HCMSA and ASMO, DCH Rewari, said that attributing responsibility for such a complex and deeply rooted social issue solely to government doctors was unfair and contrary to principles of natural justice.
He stated that doctors are already working extensively to implement the provisions of the PC and PNDT Act and that the task involves multiple challenges and risks.
According to Dr Yadav, adverse sex ratio trends are influenced by broader societal and cultural factors that go beyond the responsibilities of healthcare professionals alone.
“Social Evils Must Be Addressed First”
Dr Yadav highlighted that fear and insecurity surrounding the safety of girls in society contribute significantly to gender bias.
He pointed to concerns such as domestic violence, physical assault, acid attacks, and societal pressure, which often make families fearful about raising girl children.
He further claimed that doctors sometimes face interference and pressure from local political figures during enforcement activities under the PC & PNDT Act, particularly during raids and inspections conducted at hospitals and medical establishments.
Association Says Multiple Departments Share Responsibility
The association emphasized that the issue of declining sex ratio is multifactorial and requires coordinated action from multiple government departments and society as a whole.
According to HCMSA, departments including Women and Child Development, Police, Education, and Panchayati Raj Institutions all play a critical role in addressing gender imbalance and promoting awareness.
The doctors’ body further stated that suspending four doctors without comprehensive assessment has severely demoralized the medical fraternity across Haryana.
Suspensions Have Hurt Morale, Says HCMSA
HCMSA noted that one of the suspended doctors had recently been recognised for remarkable contribution toward improving the sex ratio, making the disciplinary action even more concerning for the medical community.
The association clarified that it was not opposed to accountability but stressed that any action must be fair, evidence-based, and justified.
Doctors, it said, continue to work tirelessly to implement PC & PNDT Act provisions, conduct inspections, and spread awareness despite operational difficulties and external pressures.
The controversy has reignited debate over whether administrative action targeting healthcare professionals alone can effectively address the broader social causes behind declining sex ratios in parts of the country.
