How far Registration of Genetic Counselling Centers, Genetic Laboratories and Genetic Clinics is provided under the PCPNDT, Act, 1994?
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| How far Registration of Genetic Counselling Centers, Genetic Laboratories and Genetic Clinics is provided under the PCPNDT, Act, 1994? |
Que: How far Registration of Genetic Counselling Centres, Genetic Laboratories and Genetic Clinics is provided under the PCPNDT, Act, 1994?
Ans:
A] Introduction
The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, is a significant legislation in India aimed at preventing female foeticide and promoting gender equality. One of the crucial provisions of the Act is the registration of Genetic Counselling Centres, Genetic Laboratories, and Genetic Clinics. This article provides a detailed overview of the registration process under the PCPNDT Act, relevant sections, unique points, case laws, and the significance of registration in combating female foeticide.
B] Registration of Genetic Counselling Centres, Genetic Laboratories, and Genetic Clinics under the PCPNDT Act, 1994:
Section 3 of the PCPNDT Act deals with the registration of Genetic Counselling Centres, Genetic Laboratories, and Genetic Clinics. The Act emphasizes the importance of regulating these institutions to ensure responsible use of prenatal diagnostic techniques and prevent the misuse of such technologies for sex determination and female foeticide.
C] Key Provisions of Registration:
1.Mandatory Registration: The Act makes it mandatory for all Genetic Counselling Centres, Genetic Laboratories, and Genetic Clinics to register themselves with the Appropriate Authority before commencing their operations.
2.Accreditation: To register, these institutions must also obtain accreditation from the concerned authorities as per the guidelines and standards specified by the Central or State Government.
3.Validity of Registration: The registration granted to these institutions remains valid for a specific period, as determined by the Appropriate Authority.
4.Suspension and Cancellation: The Appropriate Authority has the power to suspend or cancel the registration of these institutions if they are found to be non-compliant with the Act's provisions.
5.Maintenance of Records: Registered Genetic Counselling Centres, Genetic Laboratories, and Genetic Clinics must maintain detailed records of the prenatal diagnostic procedures conducted by them, as per Section 4 of the Act.
D] Unique Points:
1.Control over Prenatal Diagnostic Procedures: Registration of these institutions allows authorities to monitor and control the use of prenatal diagnostic techniques, ensuring they are used for legitimate medical purposes and not for sex determination.
2.Quality Assurance: Accreditation of these institutions ensures that they meet the required standards and guidelines, assuring the accuracy and reliability of prenatal diagnostic tests.
E] Significance in Combating Female Foeticide:
Registration plays a crucial role in combating female foeticide and ensuring responsible use of prenatal diagnostic techniques:
1.Prevention of Sex Determination: Registered institutions are closely monitored, making it difficult for unscrupulous medical practitioners to conduct illegal sex determination tests.
2.Deterrence: Strict registration and accreditation requirements act as a deterrent for unregistered and unauthorized centres from engaging in illegal activities.
3.Accountability: Registered institutions are accountable for their actions, and any violation of the Act can lead to suspension or cancellation of their registration.
F] Case Law: Voluntary Health Association of Punjab v. Union of India (2013)
In this landmark case, the Supreme Court of India emphasized the significance of registration and accreditation of Genetic Counselling Centres, Genetic Laboratories, and Genetic Clinics. The Court stressed the need for strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act to prevent female foeticide.
G] Conclusion:
Registration of Genetic Counselling Centres, Genetic Laboratories, and Genetic Clinics under the PCPNDT Act, 1994, is a vital step in combating female foeticide and promoting gender equality. The Act's provisions ensure that these institutions adhere to the required standards and guidelines, reducing the chances of misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex determination. Through registration and accreditation, the authorities can effectively monitor and control the use of such technologies, contributing to a positive shift in the social landscape and safeguarding the rights of the girl child. Strict enforcement of the Act and public awareness campaigns remain essential to create a society that values the lives of all individuals, irrespective of their gender.
Reference:
The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act 1994
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