DIMAPUR — During the first meeting of the State Supervisory Board for the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act, Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, and Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, the members decided to put forward proposal for the inclusion of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).
The meeting was held on July 30 under the chairmanship of P Paiwang Konyak, Minister of Health and Family Welfare (H&FW), at the conference hall of the department of H&FW, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, according to a press release.
Speaking on the occasion, Paiwang expressed his satisfaction with the reconstitution of the board and hoped that the state and allied departments, especially Law and Justice, are aware of these acts. He also requested that the department consider the socio-cultural uniqueness of the state while implementing such acts.
The board members also discussed issues related to the implementation of the acts and the way forward. It was decided that the District Appropriate Authority and chief medical officers would be notified to conduct strict monitoring and inspections, particularly of ultrasound clinics, and to seek timely reports as stipulated by the acts.
Doctors coming from outside the state for counselling on IVF should have temporary registration with the Nagaland Medical Council (NMC). Additionally, districts should be notified about the registration of hospitals performing IUI procedures.
The board decided to initiate stern action and penalties against medical establishments found to be violating the acts. The State Supervisory Board also highlighted the need for increased sensitisation regarding these acts to raise public awareness.
The members comprised representatives from the department of Law and Justice, Social Welfare, Health and Family Welfare, as well as a paediatrician, radiologist, and gynaecologist from the Nagaland Medical Council, Naga Mothers Association, and Kohima Obs and Gynae.
