Ultrasound Sonography Centres and Child Sex Ratio across Maharashtra: A District Level Analysis

The child sex ratio (f/m) in Maharashtra has declined by 33 points from 946 in 1991 to 913 in 2001. The present study tries to understand the possible role of Ultrasound Sonography Centres in this context. The study uses data on child sex ratio from Census of India 2001 and the data on district-wise Ultrasound Sonography Centres from the State Family Welfare Bureau, Government of Maharashtra. It is observed that the sonography centres in Maharashtra are unevenly distributed across 35 districts. Correlation and regression analyses at the district level confirm a significant negative association/relationship between the availability of sonography facilities and child sex ratio in Maharashtra. The results, of course, indicate that there is a need to regulate the proliferation and functioning of sonography centres.