Maharashtra Minister Proposes MCOCA Against Sex Determination Rackets
State Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare Prakash Abitkar declared on Thursday that the final decision on applying the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against doctors and syndicates engaged in illegal sex determination rackets will be made during the upcoming session of the state legislature.
Proposal Sent for Legal Scrutiny
The proposal has been forwarded to the state law and judiciary department for its expert opinion. This proposed action also includes enhancing penalties under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. "Female foeticide is an extremely grave issue that demands the most stringent measures," emphasized Minister Abitkar during his address in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Increased Vigilance in Vulnerable Regions
The minister further stressed the urgent necessity for heightened official surveillance, particularly in the vulnerable areas of Marathwada, to effectively curb illegal sex determination practices. Notably, the proposition to invoke MCOCA against repeatedly offending doctors and syndicates was previously deliberated in the last legislative session to gather comprehensive feedback.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has voiced its concerns and apprehensions regarding this proposed stringent action, highlighting potential implications for the medical community.
Enhancements in Ambulance Services and Drug Quality
In his media interaction, Abitkar also announced that the response times of government ambulance services, accessible via numbers 102 and 108, will be meticulously evaluated for every district. "Official intervention and necessary actions against authorities are imperative to eliminate any significant delays in reaching patients and families requiring government ambulance assistance," he asserted.
Additionally, the minister confirmed that advanced drug detection machines, designed to verify the quality of drug supplies to state-run hospitals, will soon be deployed to every division across Maharashtra.
Progress on New Women and Child Hospital
Regarding the development of the upcoming 400-bed women and child hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Abitkar revealed that this crucial public health facility is scheduled to be inaugurated and made accessible to the public within the next few months. "Staff approvals and the additional Rs 89 crore in essential funds for the hospital will be sanctioned promptly," he assured.
Launch of 'My Village, A Healthy Village' Campaign
Earlier in the day, Minister Abitkar inaugurated a regional workshop for officers and staffers focused on the effective implementation of the state government's 'My Village, A Healthy Village' campaign. He earnestly appealed to all involved agencies to dedicate their utmost efforts and work at full capacity to ensure the campaign's resounding success and positive impact on community health.
