THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even in private scanning centres in the state, instead of expert doctors, technicians who have passed unlicensed fraud courses are scanning patients and preparing reports. Errors in scanning are a frequent occurrence due to this. The latest example where a fault in scanning was alleged is the birth of a baby with severe disabilities in Alappuzha.

According to the law, the examination and report preparation using ultrasound scanning machines should be done by doctors. However, those who pass the ultrasound technician course, which is not approved by the government, are employed for this purpose. Plus two qualification is enough to study this course. This course is now widespread in the private sector.

The requirement to include the doctor's name, qualification and registration number in the scanning reports is also not met. As per the PC&PNDT (Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques) Act, 1994, scanning and report preparation is to be done under the supervision of radiologists who are completing MD in Radiology after MBBS.

Cardiologists are the ones who should perform echocardiograms. Gynaecologists should be the ones performing the scanning of pregnant women. In the past, MBBS graduates were given six months of training including in preparation of scanning reports. Many scanning centres are now functioning without this.

To avoid huge salary

Radiologists are paid huge salaries in scanning centers and hospitals. Hence, people who unrecognized courses are made technicians. They should only be paid a meager salary.

Functioning not monitored

A committee chaired by the director of the health department should oversee the implementation of the PC and PNDT Act at the state level. DMOs and RCH officers are in charge at the district level. Scanning firms should register with this committee. However, the functioning of the scanning centres is not monitored thereafter. No one checks for eligibility.

"Scanning and reporting should be done by competent people. Otherwise it is a danger to the society

- Dr. AV Jayakrishnan,

National Jo.Secretary,

I.M.A