PCPNDT
PCPNDT
PCPNDT
Correspondence: Dr. Sanjeev Mani, Mani Imaging Clinic, 1st Floor, Jain Arcade, Khar (W), Mumbai-400052, India. E-mail: drsanjeevmani@gmail.com
Abstract
These are guidelines that are required for ultrasound owners for registration and use of ultrasound machines and are applicable
across India. A brief description of the violations and penalties has also been listed.
Key words: PNDT Guidelines; nursing home; diagnostic centre, rules; violations
Registration and Use of Machines In the case of a locum doctor, the doctor’s name and
personal details, state council registration number, and
1. The owner needs to register, at least 3 months in advance, his/her degree certificate need to be sent to the AA/ward
all the places where a USG machine, whether a black office, accompanied by a covering letter from the clinic
and white or color Doppler machine, is to be used; this owner requesting permission for the use of the machine
applies to medical/surgical nursing homes/intensive by the locum on the specified dates.
cardiac care unit and wherever a USG machine is used. 4. The USG machine should not be shifted from one Centre
This registration is compulsory and is regardless of to another. One center can have multiple USG machines,
the type of studies intended to be performed on that but the manufacturer’s name and the makes and models
machine, whether pregnancy scans, abdominal scans, of the machines should be noted in the PC-PNDT
or only 2D echocardiograms. All centers should be registration certificate (all ultrasound machines available
registered. at that center should be registered on the certificate or
2. All radiologists/sonologists/doctors using USG machines on a separate attached sheet).
need to have their names entered in the PC-PNDT 5. Any changes in the center (e.g., change in machine or
certificate or on a separate sheet that must be displayed place of use) should be intimated to the AA 30 days
along with the PC-PNDT registration certificate. These in advance. Any change of the doctor operating the
doctors should be qualified to perform ultrasound machine should be intimated to the AA within 30 days.
according to their degree/ diploma certificate. A recent Gazette notification has stated that application
3. No doctor other than the one registered in that particular for locum to adding a doctor’s name to the Registration
center may use the machine installed there. Other Certificate needs to be done 30 days in advance; this
qualified doctors may use the machine at that Centre gazette has been challenged by IRIA in Delhi High Court,
only after notifying the appropriate authority (AA). and interim relief has been given of 7 days.
126 Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging / May 2012 / Vol 22 / Issue 2
Mani: Guidelines for ultrasound owners
7. What does one do when officials come for inspection. to place, even though those centres may be individually
What are the papers required during the inspection? registered.
One should be ready with all paperwork and form F
copies. All certificates should be displayed in reception 9. Is there a restriction on the number of places a Sonologist
and suite area as mentioned in the guidelines. One needs can visit ?
to be co operative. As per the recent gazette dated 5 June 2012, a sonologist
can visit only 2 places in one district. This gazette has
8. Is there a restriction on portable ultrasound devices ?
Based on the dismissal of writ filed in high court by been challenged in Delhi High Court by IRIA and
Maharashtra State Branch of IRIA, ultrasound machine ad-interim stay has been obtained. It has also been
cannot be used as a portable device. Though it’s use is challenged in Mumbai High Court by Dr Rajeev Zankar,
not explicitly prohibited in the PC PNDT act, there are and ad-interim stay has been given until next hearing
clauses to suggest that one cannot transport it from place in October.
Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging / May 2012 / Vol 22 / Issue 2 127
Mani: Guidelines for ultrasound owners
10. Can one arrange for a locum sonologist when one is on 12. What should one do when renewal papers are not
leave or vacation? processed?
One has to give one month notice for the same to local If papers are not processed in 90 days, the centre is
AA with a letter, and copy of certificates of that doctor. considered registered. One must however still inform
This has been reduced to 7 days in the ad-interim relief the authorities once again once the 90 day period is over
given by Delhi High Court in July 2012, until the next through a written letter stating the same.
hearing or there-after. However, it is probable that the 2
13. What are the steps one needs to take to deseal their
place rule as mentioned in the previous FAQ may also machines?
apply to the locum doctor. If a show cause notice has been issued by authorities and
the machine sealed, one needs to release the machine
11. Are training courses authorised by the Govt of India? through the courts only.
Medical Council of India has been given guidelines by
the Central Supervisory Board in their meeting held in Cite this article as: Mani S. Guidelines for ultrasound owners and owners
Mumbai in Jan 2012, to create a 6 month Level I training of clinics, diagnostic centres, nursing homes and hospitals. Indian J Radiol
course in Ultrasound for MBBS doctors. This process is Imaging 2012;22:125-8.
Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.
still a work in progress.
128 Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging / May 2012 / Vol 22 / Issue 2