DRUG AUTHORITY IN DILEMMA OVER OXYTOCIN SUPPLY

In a recent meeting of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and Drug Technical Advisory Board, it was stated that merely one public sector unit supplying oxytocin to the full country will not be enough. Both the government bodies are confused as to how to control the misuse of the drug and it was heavily debated whether the one company could achieve this or whether it would lead to the illegal sale of this medicine, which is widely used to control bleeding during childbirth.

The officials observed that such an action could create a shortage which would affect pregnant women. But the misuse of oxytocin in the dairy and horticulture industries is also a growing concern, as a result of which methods are being devised to track and monitor the supply chains in various markets in India.

Presently, 60 companies provide oxytocin injections to all the centres in India. A senior officer explained, "If only one public sector unit in one state is given the authority to monitor supply, the present capacity will likely not be met. Also, the supply to the distant states of India has to be calculated. Presently, the companies are in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Punjab. If brought under one unit in one state, will the transportation be carried out on time? The escalating cost of transport and efficacy of the medicine till it reaches the utility end also has to be calculated.”

The Federation of Pharma Entrepreneurs have stated that banning imports or restricting the production to one company will not help. In their representation to the government, they have stated that the supply network has to be tightened and the loopholes plugged.