Helplines: PC-PNDT helpline gets fewer complaints

After Census 2011 painted a skewed child sex ratio across the country, health authorities took immediate measures to strictly implement the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act.

“Maharashtra set up both a helpline (toll-free number 1802334475) and a website to save the girl child. In the first two years, there were several complaints — so far, we have registered 747 complaints against doctors/ persons allegedly involved in illegal sex determination. However, now every month we get some 20 calls,” Dr A Khade, state PC-PNDT consultant, said.

But based on the complaints, 39 sonography machines were sealed across Maharashtra; 17 complaints are yet to be resolved. Presently, 542 cases are in court.