Govt Policies & Interventions

Please Review 

Thank You

KEY POINTS

·         Government has banned the production of Oxytocin other than by the public sector Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Ltd (KAPL).

·         KAPL alone can supply oxytocin to registered public and private sector hospitals.

Problems with Oxytocin

·         It is used in injecting milch animals, such as cows, to increase milk production.

·         Vegetables and fruit, too, are injected with Oxytocin, to increase their sizes.

·         Worryingly, it is also used in illegal and unsafe abortions to induce labour.

·         Besides, social workers allege that it was injected to force premature puberty in trafficked young girls.

Genuine concerns with the ban

·         Oxytocin is a crucial hormone used on pregnant women. It is used for the induction of labour and stop postpartum bleeding.

·         It causes uterine contractions during labour, and helps new mothers lactate.

·         It has largely been in use during delivery to reduce maternal mortality.

·         The restriction on such crucial drug would lead to supply side shortages.

·          The KAPL exemption has paved the way for a PSU monopoly, by a company that has never made this drug in the past.

·         KAPL claims to have the capacity to supply the country’s requirement.

·         But there is little transparency over the drug’s pricing in comparison to that of private producers.

Way Ahead

·         Its abuse needs to be curbed, possibly by restricting its human and veterinary sale.

·         Multiple layers of documentation as with narcotic and psychotropic drugs or antibiotics could be adopted.

·         Massive surveillance and raids on illegal importers and unlicensed producers could be implemented.

·         Competition is a leveller and so the government should reconsider the ban on private production.