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Steps to stop decline in female sex ratio

PUDUCHERRY: The steps taken by the Health Department to arrest the decline in female sex ratio, after it showed a slide in the last three years, have started showing results, according Dilip Kumar Baliga, Director, Health and Family Welfare Department.

The Union Territory reported a child sex ratio of 1,001 girls to 1,000 boys in 2001 census. A mid sample survey conducted by the Central Government showed a decline in the female child sex ratio to below 950 in the later half of 2005, and alerted the administration about the trend.

Subsequently, the Health Department in 2006 conducted an enumeration exercise during first phase of the pulse polio campaign. It was focused on children between the age group of zero to five, and found the sex ratio at 948 girls for 1,000 boys.

Another round of enumeration was done during the second phase of the pulse polio campaign targeting children between zero to one year and showed a further decline. It stood at 938 girls for 1,000 boys, Dr. Baliga said.

The decline was mainly noticed in places such as Lawspet, Muthialpet, Puducherry town, Mudaliarpet and in the Mahe region, he added.

He said the decrease was chiefly due to female foeticide and strict control on illegal abortion was maintained. Clinics and private hospitals were under the scanner.

The Government also authorised the General Hospital, the JIPMER and Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences to conduct abortions in selective cases during the second trimester in cases of any abnormality in foetus or to save the mother from any pregnancy-induced medical condition, he noted.

Certain tough measures and awareness campaigns had yielded results, and the latest survey showed a gradual increase in the child ratio. It increased 988 girls for 1,000 boys in 2007, he added.

Every pregnant woman was registered and auxiliary nurse midwives had been asked to keep a tab on the list.

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