Pune: State health minister Prakash Abitkar on Wednesday said in the assembly a special task force would be constituted in Pune to monitor the functioning of IVF centres mushrooming across Maharashtra.The issue of some IVF centres allegedly running illegal fertility rackets came up for discussion in the assembly. MLAs cited the example of a recent case in Badlapur and demanded the state govt to take some strict measures against such centres.Responding to the questions in the assembly, health minister Abitkar said, “The number of IVF centres coming up in the state is alarming and the govt has taken note of it. These centres will be monitored strictly.”The health minister said the special task force would function from Pune. “Flying squads of the task force will carry out surprise checks of IVF centres and all hospitals registered under the PCNDT Act. If any irregularities are found in any centres, immediate action will be taken against those,” Abitkar said.The MLAs sought a strict law on the lines of MCOCA to take action against the medical practitioners and those who help them in conducting illegal activities. Abitkar said, “The officials of the health department have conducted three meetings with the officials of law and judiciary to discuss the legal aspects. The govt will bring a law before the next assembly session to treat violation of the PCPNDT Act like an organised crime.”
