SOP for female hyperandrogenism

New Delhi (PTI): The Sports Ministry on Wednesday released the Standard Operative Procedure (SOP) to identify circumstances of female hyperandrogenism under which a particular athlete will not be eligible to participate in competitions in the female category. This was made necessary after the Pinki Pramanik episode. The Ministry in a letter to the States and Union Territories, Sports Authority of India (SAI) and recognised National Sports Federations has urged them to appoint Nodal officers and alternate nodal officers as per the said guidelines and display their name, designation, address and telephone numbers on their website. A statement from the Sports Ministry further said that appointed nodal officers are required to take necessary actions as per the SOP.A The Ministry said medical investigation of female sportspersons must be carried out only when the sportsperson herself makes a request, on the request of SAI medical officer or the concerned NSFs if any doubts persist, and on the basis of a written complaint by a complainant detailing the basis of doubts. The medical examination must be carried out by a female doctor taking care of the privacy of the sportsperson and will include external genital examination. The doctor can be assisted by a female nurse if necessary. But in cases where an external genital examination is not conclusive, the doctor can examine, undescended testicles, hypospadias, clitoromegaly, inguinal hernia in females (unilateral or bilateral), single perineal opening, absence of secondary sexual features.