Health Minister Dr. Rajiv Bindal said that that procuring sex determination diagnostic and pregnancy termination kits from various internet sites was illegal and government was considering to make it a punishable offence. He was addressing the meeting of State Supervisory Board constituted under PC- PNDT Act, 1994. He further said that selling of Schedule–H drugs over the counter without prescription would also be viewed seriously.
Health Minister said that (CSR)Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) in Himachal Pradesh had improved from 896 in 2001 to 906 as per the 2011 census and added that effective implementation of Beti Hai Anmol Campaign had shown concrete results on the ground. He further said that the Health department had adopted an aggressive approach to tackle the dipping Child Sex Ratio by vigorous monitoring of ultra sound machines, evolving reliable information system and effective awareness campaigns. He said that 440 episodes of folk media campaign was launched in 44 development blocks of 9 districts in the state besides holding rallies with the support of Anganwari Workers, Self Help Groups, Mahila Mandals and School Children. Dr Bindal said that State level sensitization workshop would be held for master trainers and atleast one representative from every hospital would participate in it, who would further impart training in all district hospitals. He said that CSR data was being collected on block levels and sensitive blocks would be concentrated, where not only aggressive awareness campaigns would be launched but sensitization workshops would be held for prominent persons of the area including Pradhans, Up Pradhans, BDC, Zila Parishad, Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayat Members.
The Minister also directed the concerned officers to hold the State level Advisory Committee meetings in every quarter and District level Advisory Committee meetings in every 2 months.
