The Directorate of Health Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, has reinforced the implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PC&PNDT Act) to prevent sex selection and promote gender equality across the islands. The legislation, a central law enacted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to curb female foeticide by regulating the use of diagnostic technologies that could potentially be misused for determining the sex of the foetus.
The Act, amended in 2003, prohibits any form of sex selection before or after conception and mandates the registration of all facilities using diagnostic equipment capable of revealing foetal sex. This includes ultrasound machines, imaging scanners, and other related technologies. Under Section 18 of the Act, every Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, or Genetic Clinic must be formally registered with the State Appropriate Authority to operate legally.
The Directorate has clarified that centres providing CT or MRI services, if not already registered under the PC&PNDT Act, are now required to apply for fresh registration. Those already registered must also inform the Competent Authority about all equipment currently in use, ensuring full transparency in diagnostic operations.
In a statement reiterating its enforcement commitment, the Directorate highlighted that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands currently have 25 healthcare facilities registered under the PC&PNDT Act. Each facility was inspected before registration and remains subject to regular monitoring by the Appropriate Authority. These inspections are intended to ensure continuous compliance with all provisions of the Act, as well as adherence to operational guidelines and ethical standards in prenatal diagnostic practices.
The law prescribes strict penal action against anyone found violating its provisions. Medical practitioners, institutions, or individuals involved in sex determination or selection practices face penalties including imprisonment, fines, suspension or cancellation of registration, and other disciplinary actions. Moreover, the Act expressly prohibits advertisements, whether in print, broadcast, or digital form, that promote pre-conception or pre-natal sex determination services.
To strengthen community vigilance, the Directorate has urged the general public to report any suspected cases of sex determination or violations of the PC&PNDT Act. Reports can be made to the Director of Health Services, the State Appropriate Authority, or the concerned District Appropriate Authority. Officials emphasized that public cooperation is vital to ensure the eradication of unethical practices and to uphold the legal framework protecting the rights of the girl child.
The enforcement drive aligns with the broader objective of eliminating gender discrimination and ensuring social equity. By regulating diagnostic technologies and strengthening institutional accountability, the Administration seeks to prevent misuse of medical advances for gender-biased practices. The measures also reinforce the Administration’s commitment to the national goal of achieving balanced demographic growth through the protection of women’s rights and the dignity of life.
The State Appropriate Authority has reaffirmed its dedication to upholding the PC&PNDT Act’s intent and ensuring full compliance among healthcare providers in the islands. Through periodic inspections, awareness efforts, and community outreach, the Directorate continues to promote responsible medical conduct and safeguard the welfare of the girl child in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
