Assessment of Knowledge about PCPNDT Act among Medical Interns - A Questionnaire based Study

Authors

  • Afzal Haroon Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, AMU, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh Author
  • Kashif Ali Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, AMU, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21276/qpxnrz69

Keywords:

PCPNDT Act, Sex determination, Medical Interns

Abstract

Background: It is a matter of grave concern that girl child continues to be insecure & vulnerable in Indian context. In order to curb sex selective abortions, the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act was passed in the year 1994.

Methods: This is a cross sectional questionnaire based study conducted among the Medical interns of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, A.M.U, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. A questionnaire was prepared consisting of multiple-choice questions about PCPNDT Act. 100 medical interns comprising of 50 males and 50 females participated in this study.

Results: 83% medical interns were aware of the prevailing sex ratio in India. The awareness was better among female as compared to male interns. All 100% were aware that pre-natal sex determination was a punishable offence. Most of the interns i.e. 91% opined that both the doctor as well as the patients seeking gender identification should be held guilty.

Conclusion: Mere enactment of Act is not enough. It needs involvement of people & serious efforts to implement legislation. The need of the hour is to sensitize future doctors about the ethics related to the inappropriate and indiscriminate use of technology.

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References

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Published

31.12.2023

Issue

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLES ~ Forensic Medicine

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