Madurai: The health department informed the Madras high court on Tuesday that ultrasound equipment is functional in 12 out of 13 primary health centres (PHCs) in Madurai district.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by activist A Veronica Mary, who highlighted the lack of ultrasound services at block-level PHCs, forcing pregnant women to travel long distances to government or private hospitals for scans. She stated that ultrasound scans are crucial for monitoring fetal development, yet many PHCs lack trained doctors to operate the equipment.
She pointed out that the government had installed ultrasound machines in several PHCs, including the Chekkanurani PHC, which serves 50 to 100 expectant mothers every Tuesday. Despite the demand, the equipment remains unused due to the absence of trained personnel, compelling women to spend Rs1,000–Rs1,200 per scan at private centres.
Seeking a resolution, she urged the court to ensure functional ultrasound facilities in all 13 PHCs to provide free, quality healthcare to rural women.
In a status report, the health department stated that ultrasound services are operational in 12 PHCs, with trained doctors conducting scans. However, the equipment at Chekkanurani PHC is non-functional. Authorities are making arrangements to transfer an additional ultrasound machine from Thirumangalam PHC to Chekkanurani PHC.
Considering the submission, a division bench of Justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy closed the petition, stating no further orders were necessary.
