The strike can seriously affect the health sector. (Representational Image)
From September 1, ultrasound, CT-Scan and MRI centres across India will shut shops with radiologists going on an indefinite strike protesting provisions of the PCPNDT Act that they say are "unfair", "arbitrary" and "drastic".
The announcement of the indefinite strike was made by National President elect of the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association Dr Bhupendra Ahuja after a meeting at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) hall in Agra.
Dr Ahuja said the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association, with over 12,000 members across India, is being supported by other medical organisations including FOGSI, AOGS and IMA.
"We have done our homework and are firm on our strike until the central government agrees to modify certain provisions that hurt us," Dr Ahuja said.
The Indian Federation of Ultrasound is also supporting the cause.
We have had several rounds of meeting with union health minister JP Nadda and the ministry's officials but so far the results have been zero, he added.
The radiologists are angry with the rather "unreasonable" provisions of the PCPNDT Act under which for minor lapses centres can be sealed, and doctors can be booked or their practising licences can be suspended.
Dr Ahuja explained that a detailed form with 26 questions has to be filled before the ultrasound examination of a pregnant women.
A minor error or discrepancy which may be totally unintentional can land the practitioners in troubled waters, he said.
The strike can seriously affect the health sector, as ultrasound tests as diagnostic tools have become an integral part of today's health programmes.
Doctors after the meeting said one hoped the union government would not be rigid but agree to amend the rules.