GUWAHATI, Jan 10 — The Union Health Minister, Dr CP Thakur today raised alarm over falling sex ratio in the age group of 0-6 years in N-E States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya. Addressing the meeting of Health Ministers and MPs of N-E States here today, Dr Thakur called for strict enforcement of the PNDT Act which prohibits sex determination tests. He stated that State health authorities of the region must follow the Supreme court guidelines in this regard and appoint appropriate authorities to prevent carrying out sex determination tests in district and sub-division levels. He directed the State health authorities to ensure registration of all ultra sound machines operating in the region under the Act. All health facilities must display boards that sex determination tests are not conducted at this clinic. He asked the health authorities to remain prepared to send even decoys to pin point such clinics carrying out clandestine sex determination tests.
Regarding pulse Vitamin A drops campaign in the State which resulted in the deaths of several children in November last year, the Union Health Minister stated that Government of Assam should ensure proper training of the para-medical staff to be engaged in such programme in future. He also suggested the State Government to take appropriate steps to enlighten the public over the pulse polio programme which may be affected in the State in view of ‘pulse Vitamin A’ deaths. The Union Health Minister, however, desisted from making further comments on deaths of children after administration of Vitamin A drops in the UNICEF sponsored campaign stating that the matter was now under investigation of Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
The Minister informed that in view of high infant mortality rate in the country an extensive survey was being carried out through neo-natal care experts. Such an expert team would soon be despatched to N-E region also. Talking about the nationwide drive against spread of deadly AIDS, the Health Minister informed that Nagaland, Manipur and Assam had been identified as most vulnerable to the deadly disease amongst the N-E States. He said special drive would be launched in these States in collaboration with voluntary organisations against AIDS. The Minister agreed that healthcare facilities in Government sector in the N-E region was far below the mark and asked the State health authorities to interact more intensively with the Union Ministry ensure flow of fund for development of the health care sector in the region.