The GoI’s recent ban on Oxytocin could cause more problems than they solve. Comment. (200 words)
Refer – Financial Express
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Shankaranand 6 years
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IAS Parliament 6 years
IAS Parliament 6 years
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.
