9 PHCs in Kurukshetra under lens after decline in sex ratio

Nitish Sharma

Kurukshetra, February 25

Aimed at improving sex ratio of Kurukshetra, the Health Department has identified nine primary health centres (PHCs) in the district that recorded a drop in the sex ratio at birth (SRB), under their respective villages, last year compared to 2022.

However, the district witnessed an improvement of 13 points in the sex ratio at birth last year. The SRB in 2023 was recorded at 906, compared to 893 in 2022.

As per information, a drop in the SRB was observed in villages under the Thaska Miranji, Tatka, Babain, Deeg, Kalsana, Ismailabad, Mathana, Dhurala and Ramgarh Ror PHCs. The issue was discussed at the meeting of the district task force held recently by the Kurukshetra Deputy Commissioner.

As per the data procured, the sex ratio under PHC Thaskan Miranji dropped from 952 in 2022 to 910 last year, PHC Tatka witnessed a drop from 932 to 900, PHC Deeg from 964 to 832, PHC Babain from 1,111 to 797, PHC Mathana from 942 to 887, PHC Kalsana from 865 to 861, PHC Dhruala from 975 to 921, PHC Ismailabad from 1,024 to 975, while PHC Ramgarh Ror recorded a decline from 927 to 822.

Meanwhile, PHCs including Amin, Kirmach, Pipli, Khanpur Kolian, Saina Saidan, Gudha, Thol, and Barna have recorded an improvement in the SRB.

Dr Ramesh Sabharwal, Deputy Civil Surgeon and nodal officer of the PC-PNDT Act, said, “All efforts are being made to further improve the sex ratio in Kurukshetra. In January, the SRB improved to 947. Last year, a marginal decline was observed in villages under some of the PHCs in the district but a close watch is being kept on the situation. Feedback is being taken from the field staff and the Asha workers have been asked to remain in touch with pregnant women. Our teams are also keeping a watch on the people involved in sex determination test rackets.”

Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma said, “A review meeting was held with the officials of the Health Department and directions have been issued to focus on the villages in which the decline was observed. The officials have been asked to ensure that there should be no decline in the sex ratio at birth in the district. The registration of pregnant women should be done within eight months and in case of negligence, action will be taken against the officials concerned and employees. A close watch is being kept on the ultrasound centres too and people involved in the sex determination test rackets and those found guilty will not be spared will not be spared.”