Nayagarh: Illegal abortions show no sign of abatement in Nayagarh district with abortion pills reportedly being sold over the counter at various pharmacy stores without the required prescriptions from doctors. While the Health department has failed to enforce a ban on this practice, no investigation has been initiated into the concerning matter despite growing complaints. Allegations have surfaced that some pharmacists and medicine stores are facilitating abortions by providing the pills sans prescription, with such claims being largely ignored, allowing illegal abortions to continue unabated.
Residents allege that several unqualified persons are performing ultrasound tests for conditions such as gynaecological issues, surgeries, and cancer in this district, giving way to inaccuracy in the reports and further complications. As per regulations, only radiologists, obstetrics specialists, or MBBS doctors with six months of specialised training are authorised to conduct ultrasound procedures.
However, due to lax oversight and a lack of raids at ultrasound clinics, untrained personnel are allegedly performing these tests. There is a growing demand among the residents for a thorough investigation and immediate action to address the issue. On the other hand, authorities are urged to expedite corrective measures to curb these malpractices.
It is alleged that unauthorised abortions are frequently taking place in private hospitals across Nayagarh district despite the absence of approval mandated under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. Allegations of such activities have persisted for a long time.
The busting of illegal abortion at the Aditya Hospital and Clinic functioning from Anand Bhavan behind the district headquarters hospital August 30, 2021, is a case in this point. Later, five persons — the private hospital’s owner, two nurses, and a broker — were arrested and sent to jail in this connection.
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This was the second time when illegal abortions were busted in Nayagarh. Residents hoped that the authorities will continue to frequently conduct raids and take action against such illegalities. However, despite occasional raids, operations in private clinics and ultrasound centres resumed shortly thereafter. Residents alleged that inadequate action by the Health Department has hindered the effective implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act in the district.
Reports suggest that illegal abortions temporarily ceased after enforcement actions but resumed soon after in some private clinics, allegedly driven by financial incentives. Notably, in 2007, the discovery of six premature infant bodies near Duburi Hill in Nayagarh brought the issue of female foeticide to public scrutiny.
Despite increased scrutiny, Nayagarh continues to grapple with this issue. The 2011 Census revealed the district ranked first in incidents of female foeticide in the state, prompting stricter enforcement of the PCPNDT Act. However, observers claim little has changed.
Residents allege that private hospitals in Nayagarh fail to comply with government regulations, with no significant action being taken against violators. Hospitals are mandated to maintain indoor registers, outgoing patient records, operation theatre logs, and detailed records of visiting doctors and their consultation fees. However, these guidelines are reportedly ignored by these private hospitals, allowing female foeticide practice by unqualified medical practitioners to persist.
Experts argue that proper enforcement of government directives could significantly curb illegal abortions and the activities of fake doctors and quacks in the district.
PNN
