Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sept 25: Pregnant women must obtain a ‘Thayi Card’ and carry it whenever they visit scanning centres, Dakshina Kannada District health and family welfare Officer Dr H R Thimmaiah has said, stressing that the document is vital for monitoring maternal health and ensuring timely healthcare.

He also directed officials to maintain regular inspections of scanning centres and strictly monitor compliance with the pre-conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994. Any violations of the Act must invite appropriate action from the concerned authorities, he said.

Dr Thimmaiah was speaking at a meeting of the district-level advisory committee on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection and Misuse) Act, 1994, held at the office of the District Health and Family Welfare Officer.

‘Thayi Card’ vital for maternal care

Dr Thimmaiah said the ‘Thayi Card’ serves as an important record for properly monitoring a pregnant woman’s health and ensuring that necessary medical services are provided on time.

“Every pregnant woman must compulsorily obtain a Thayi Card,” he said, adding that the card should be carried without fail while visiting scanning centres.

Women who do not have a Thayi Card can approach the nearest government Primary Health Centre, Urban Primary Health Centre, Community Health Centre, taluk hospital or health worker, he said. They can also seek assistance from ASHA workers, he added.

He further directed officials to regularly visit scanning centres and verify whether the establishments are adhering to the provisions of the PCPNDT Act. Any violation detected during inspections should be followed by appropriate action, he said.

District PNDT advisory committee chairperson Dr Amrutha Bhandari, district inspection and monitoring committee member Dr Sundari and other committee members were present at the meeting.