‘Two-clinic cap for doctors will create space for quacks, illegal pregnancy termination centres’

This comes days after Haryana additional chief secretary (health) Sudhir Rajpal Tuesday directed department officers to prepare a proposal stating that a gynaecologist will not be allowed to perform abortions at more than two centres, taking into account all legal aspects, so that it can be presented to the government for approval.

An official said that the plan is aimed at stopping the practice of gynaecologists registering themselves with multiple MTP centres. “This proposal is meant to ensure that quacks are not taking advantage of the provision which allows gynaecologists to register at multiple centres. In such cases, there is a possibility that in the absence of a gynaecologist, a quack may perform abortions,” the official said.

Some gynaecologists fear that such a provision may hurt their profession, especially in small towns where only a few qualified doctors are empanelled with multiple MTP centres. They added, “Leading gynaecologists normally perform their professional duties at their own clinics and visit other centres only in rare or emergent circumstances.”

A leading gynaecologist from Panchkula said, “If it is implemented, then a gynaecologist will not be able to conduct an abortion at a clinic where she is not registered, even though doctors are supposed to treat patients anywhere in the country to save a life. Qualified medical practitioners will not risk indulging in female foeticide just for Rs 5,000 or Rs 10,000.”

Another gynaecologist said, “If a family wants abortion, they look for a gynaecologist in their neighbourhood, not at a distant place. If they don’t find one nearby, they may prefer to go to a quack, which could prove risky for the woman’s life.”

Echoing similar concerns, another practitioner said, “The problem lies elsewhere, not with qualified medical professionals. To address the issue of skewed sex ratio, there is a need to change the mindset of people. This is possible only if a gender-friendly environment is developed by keeping the security of girls as the top priority. There should be more job opportunities for them along with quality education at the nearest possible place.”

A health department official said, “Their concerns will be kept in mind while finalising the proposal. It would also be ensured that such a provision is not contrary to the MTP Act.”

These fresh efforts are part of the authorities’ drive to correct the state’s skewed sex ratio, which fell to 910 girls per 1,000 boys in 2024—the lowest in eight years. Determined to raise the figure to 920 this year, officials say they are tightening surveillance, curbing gender-determination practices, and cracking down on illegal abortions.