Apart from just taking action against doctors, the family members of the pregnant woman, especially the husband and in-laws, should also be taken to task to send a strong message in the society, Shetty said here at the review meeting of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic techniques Act (PCPNDT).
So far, 342 cases have been filed in the courts for PCPNDT violations, out of which 248 are pending and orders have been passed in 94 cases, he said.
"Licenses of 17 doctors have been suspended so far," Shetty told the meeting.
Minister of State for Health Fauzia Khan said if a pregnant woman comes forward to complain against her family that she is being forced to undergo illegal sex determination test, she should be given a cash prize of Rs 25,000 as is given to people who pass on information about sex determination clinics.
Shetty said a radiologist will not be allowed to practise at more than two places in a district.
Similarly, manufacturers and distributors of sonography and imaging machines should ensure that the equipment are registered with the appropriate authority. Besides, the procurement should be done only from registered dealers only.
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Shetty released a ten-minute Marathi documentary 'Madhura' and a story book 'Gosht Majhya Tai chi' on female foeticide.
Popular Marathi actor couple Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar appear at the end of the documentary appealing to people to oppose killing of the girl child.
The Minister also informed that a short film on the same lines is being made in Hindi by actors Ajay Devgn and Kajol.