The Odisha Government has directed stricter inspections of ultrasound clinics and intensified monitoring in districts with poor sex ratios at birth to strengthen the implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act (PCPNDT Act). The decision was taken during a meeting of the State Supervisory Board chaired by Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling at Lok Seva Bhawan.
State Focuses on Improving Sex Ratio at Birth
The meeting reviewed measures to improve the state’s sex ratio at birth (SRB), with the Health Minister emphasising the need for focused interventions in districts reporting poor performance.
Mukesh Mahaling directed authorities to strengthen district-level monitoring committees and conduct more rigorous and frequent inspections of ultrasound clinics to ensure strict compliance with the PCPNDT Act.
He stated that improving the sex ratio would require strict enforcement of the law, community participation, coordinated action by multiple departments, and greater emphasis on public awareness campaigns.
Digital Measures Enhance Monitoring
The State Supervisory Board also reviewed Odisha’s progress in adopting technology-driven measures for implementing the PCPNDT Act.
The state has introduced online registration and renewal of ultrasound facilities, digital Form-F reporting, coordination with the Odisha Council of Medical Registration (OCMR) for verification of registered medical practitioners, and authentication of beneficiaries through their ABHA registration.
According to officials, these initiatives have improved transparency, accountability, and the overall monitoring of ultrasound facilities across the state.
Enforcement Action Reviewed
The Board reviewed enforcement measures taken between 2024 and 2026, during which district authorities conducted 649 inspections and state authorities carried out 11 inspections.
The enforcement drive resulted in six illegal ultrasound clinics being sealed, six ultrasound machines being seized, FIRs being registered, and disciplinary action being initiated against government doctors.
Underperforming Districts Directed to Intensify Monitoring
During the review of district-wise sex ratio at birth data, Jajpur emerged as the best-performing district.
Nayagarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, and Khurda recorded the lowest sex ratio at birth figures. Authorities in these districts have been directed to intensify monitoring, ensure 100 per cent verification of Form-F records, and conduct extensive awareness campaigns to improve the sex ratio at birth.
Important Highlights
- Odisha has ordered stricter inspections of ultrasound clinics to strengthen enforcement of the PCPNDT Act.
- The decision was taken during a State Supervisory Board meeting chaired by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling.
- The state has implemented online registration, digital Form-F reporting, OCMR verification, and ABHA-based beneficiary authentication.
- Between 2024 and 2026, authorities conducted 660 inspections, sealed six illegal ultrasound clinics, seized six ultrasound machines, and initiated disciplinary action against government doctors.
- Nayagarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, and Khurda have been directed to intensify monitoring and awareness efforts to improve the sex ratio at birth.
