Dr. Sanjeev Mani, a prominent Radiologist answers a few frequently asked questions about the guidelines of Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) act.

How important is Form F?

Form F filing is mandatory for all pregnant patients. It goes without saying that it should be complete and without errors. The authority should be able to contact the patient on the basis on this form. All columns need to be filled and if any points are not applicable, please write NA or Not Applicable in that column. Do not leave it blank. Forms should be maintained properly so that one can easily access it whenever asked for.

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How does one apply for PC-PNDT registration? 

All details have been given in guidelines. The new amendment states that an intimation (one month prior) should be given before starting the clinic and adding new machines.

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How does one renew PCPNDT registration? 

All details have been given in guidelines. One should apply ideally 3 months before the expiry of the current registration and certainly before one month of expiry.

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Do MRI machines need to be registered? 

Yes, they need to be registered and all changes have to be notified to the AA.

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Do CT scan machines need to be registered? 

Yes, they need to be registered and all changes have to be notified to the AA.

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What is the current status of video recording devices in Maharashtra and across the country?

Video recording devices have not been installed in Maharashtra except in Kolhapur district. They are being installed in Rajasthan and in some pockets of Punjab. There is no order for their implementation, but they are being installed at the local level by collectors. 

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What does one do when officials come for inspection. What are the papers required during the inspection?

One should be ready with all paperwork and form F copies. All certificates should be displayed in the reception and suite area as mentioned in the guidelines. One needs to be co-operative. 

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Is there a restriction on portable ultrasound devices?

Based on the dismissal of writ filed in high court by Maharashtra State Branch of IRIA, ultrasound machines cannot be used as portable devices. Though its use is not explicitly prohibited in the PC-PNDT act, there are clauses to suggest that one cannot transport it from place to place, even though those centres may be individually registered.

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Is there a restriction on the number of places a Sonologist can visit?

As per the recent Gazette dated 5 June 2012, a sonologist can visit only 2 places in one district. This gazette has been challenged in Delhi High Court by IRIA and ad-interim stay has been obtained. It has also been challenged in Mumbai High Court by Dr Rajeev Zankar, and ad-interim stay has been given until next hearing in October.

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Do I need to give a notice for arranging a locum sonologist?

One has to give one month notice for the same to local AA with a letter, and copy of certificates of that doctor. This has been reduced to 7 days in the ad-interim relief given by Delhi High Court in July 2012, until the next hearing or there-after. However, it is probable that the 2 place rule may also apply to the locum doctor.

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Are training courses authorised by the Government of India?

Medical Council of India has been given guidelines by the Central Supervisory Board in their meeting held in Mumbai (January 2012), to create a 6-month Level I training course in Ultrasound for MBBS doctors. This process is still a work in progress. 

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What should one do when renewal papers are not processed?

If papers are not processed in 90 days, the centre is considered registered. One must however still inform the authorities once again once the 90-day period is over through a written letter stating the same. 

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What are the steps one needs to take to deseal their machines?

If a show cause notice has been issued by authorities and the machine sealed, one needs to release the machine through the courts only.

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In Part 1, Dr. Sanjeev Mani explains the guidelines of the PNDT act, that hospitals and nursing homes have to adhere to. Click PNDT Guidelines; nursing home; diagnostic centre, rules; violations: Dr. Sanjeev Mani to read.

Article previously published on October 25, 2018.

Dr. Sanjeev Mani is a Radiologist and Incharge of the Department of Imaging at Holy Family Hospital and the Chief Editor of Indian Radiologist. This article was written for the special PNDT issue of the IJRI in 2012, and has been updated according to current guidelines. 

Disclaimer-The information and views set out in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of M3 India. Neither M3 India nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.