Gujarat issues show-cause notice to Surat health officer over worsening gender ratio

The Gujarat Health Department has issued a show-cause notice to the Chief District Health Officer (CDHO) of Surat, citing serious lapses in addressing gender disparity in the district.

According to the notice issued by the Commissioner of Health and Medical Services in Gandhinagar, the declining gender ratio in Surat district and municipal areas has emerged as a matter of concern for the state government.

The notice states that under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PC&PNDT Act), the responsibility for monitoring, supervision and periodic review of all registered diagnostic centres lies with the district’s appropriate authority.

Officials said the issue had previously been flagged to senior officers, but no effective corrective measures were taken by the district health machinery.

Terming the matter a “serious dereliction of duty”, the department has sought a written explanation from Dr Anil B Patel, the Chief District Health Officer, within three days.

The notice further warns that failure to submit a satisfactory response within the stipulated timeframe may result in disciplinary action under the Disciplinary and Appeal Rules, 1971.