Ultrasound and imaging services like CT scan and MRI are likely to be affected across the country on September 1 with over 13,000 radiologists planning to go on strike over their demand to amend the PC&PNDT (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act- 1994) Act.

Asserting that they do not have even a "remote connection with sex determination," the radiologists alleged that they were being "harassed" even for minor clerical errors which were being considered equal to sex determination. 

The closedown of services on Thursday is expected to be followed by an indefinite strike from the next day, unless the Government steps in to resolve their concerns, Dr OP Bansal, President of Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) said at a press conference here.

The PC & PNDT Act (Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection Act, 1994) prohibits gender determination of the baby to be born through techniques like ultasonography, a move meant to ensure the birth of a girl child.

"However, under the PC&PNDT Act, non-uniform implementation have resulted in sealing of many ultrasound machines depriving radiologist of their livelihood and having to face criminal proceedings in court on minor clerical mistakes," Bansal said.

Dr Jignesh Thakker, national coordination PNDT, IRIA said that though they had been passing the information about the black sheep in their profession, nothing was done in actual. Rather, honest radiologists who had nothing to do with illegal practices are being raided in the name of implementing the Act.

Thakker said that the IRIA wants the Government to "decriminalise" their profession and have a graded approach to punishment with minor clerical errors like not wearing an apron or not keeping a copy of the Act being punished with smaller penalties, rather than raids and confiscation of equipment.

Asserting that they were not advocating gender determination, Thakker suggested that the Government "co-relate" PNDT and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, so they are able to track development of the baby till it is born, even as they protect the privacy of the mother and family.

He said that during the strike the emergency and in-hospital services and the Intensive Care Units would continue to function. No emergency cases will be denied though, he adds.