Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Sex selection deliveries still on in twin cities

HYDERABAD: The district health officials have claimed that there is a marked improvement in the ratio of girls to boys in twin cities, attributing it to the success of PCPNDT Act (Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques). The ground realities, however, do not measure-up to the tall claims. Sex selective deliveries are still on, although the approach has changed.

People are increasingly opting for alternative means. There are scores of unregulated scanning centres around twin cities in Ranga Reddy district. There are scanning centres of Old city, which authorities agree are tough to control. Besides, there are alternative medicine clinics, which do not come under PCPNDT Act.

The district medical and health officer has claimed that in 2001, the ratio of girls was 933 to 1,000 boys, according to MCH data, and during 2006-07 the ratio is 942, indicating a nine point increase. However, according to the GOI 2001 census, which is reliable, the ratio was 943, signifying a discrepancy and ineffectiveness in implementing the act.

“If somebody tells me that the ratio of girls is improving in Hyderabad, I would take it with a pinch of salt. Municipal data is disputable. Nobody is talking about core issues like awareness, literacy and dowry system, which are reasons for sex selective abortions,” points out noted gynaecologist Dr. P. Balamba.

Till a few years, the district authorities and NGOs used to meet regularly to keep a tab on such centres. “We are not meeting anymore. Reports of sex determination from Ranigunj and areas like Nimboliadda continue to come. Scanning is done on the sly. Quacks and alternative medicine doctors are doing abortions,” alleges Vice-President of Hyderabad City Committee of AIDWA, C. Aruna.

Some feel that parents are not given enough incentives for the education of the girl child and pave way subsequently for their employment opportunities.

“Nobody is treating this as a social cause. Authorities have failed to control scanning centres in Ranga Reddy district,” points out Ali Asgar of Roshan Vikas.

HOD of Obstetric and Gynaecology department of Owaisi Hospital Roya Rozeti feels that despite being aware, ultrasound scans are misused. “It’s all linked to financial resources. Parents seldom agree to have a girl child.

They go to any length to abort the foetus. They don’t hesitate even to approach quacks,” Dr. Rozati points out.

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