Kathmandu, Jan. 7 -- selective abortions are rampant in Nepal, especially in big cities and semi-urban areas of Nepal, as data on boys to girls birth ratio indicate.

Government officials as well as public health experts, including gynecologists, admit that the problem is serious and needs immediate intervention to prevent looming gender imbalance and resulting social and other problems in the country.

"The problem is more serious than many people imagine, and agencies concerned also don't seem to have taken it seriously," said Dr Pawan Sharma, professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Patan Hospital. "We have heard a lot about stark gender imbalances in some states of neighbouring India and China. We cannot rule out a similar situation...