Radiologists to join nation-wide strike from today

Beginning Thursday, radiologists from across India will join an indefinite strike in protest of certain provisions of the PC & PNDT (Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Act, 1994, which, according to them, are unfair, arbitrary and drastic.

The Act of 1994 prohibits gender determination of the unborn baby through techniques such as ultrasonography; a move aimed at protecting the girl child.

However, these radiologists have alleged that non-uniform implementation of the PC & PNDT Act has resulted in sealing of ultrasound machines, depriving them of their livelihood and forcing them to face criminal proceedings for minor clerical mistakes.

Gynaecologists too will support the strike. The Association of Medical Consultants (AMC) along with Indian Medical Association, Indian Radiological and Imaging Association, Association of Fellow Gynaecologists, and Mumbai and Navi Mumbai Obstetric & Gynaecological Society will participate in the strike.

Dr Veena Pandit, president of AMC, said, “It is extremely disheartening to note that even 22 years after enactment the PC & PNDT Act has failed miserably in its aim and has now become an act which is used to harass even honest doctors.”

“Ninety-five per cent of convictions under the said act have been for clerical errors,” she further said.