Jaipur, June 28 (IANS). The case of suspicious death of seven women after delivery in Rajasthan has now taken the form of a serious health crisis at the national level. After investigating the matter, the Central Government has canceled the manufacturing license of the company manufacturing suspected oxytocin injections. At the same time, the World Health Organization has also asked for a detailed report on this entire matter from the Indian Government.
Investigation revealed that ‘Tosin’ (Oxytocin Injection 5 ml) manufactured by Amritsar-based M/s Jackson Laboratories Pvt Ltd did not meet the quality standards. Laboratory investigation by the Rajasthan Drug Control Department found that the active ingredient oxytocin was not present in the prescribed quantity in the injection.
Based on the report, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization inspected the company’s manufacturing plants located in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. After investigation, it was recommended to cancel the manufacturing license of the company, which was accepted by the Union Health Ministry.
The Health Ministry has also summoned a detailed factual report of the entire matter from the Rajasthan government. At the same time, the World Health Organization has sought information from India whether such incidents have happened in other parts of the country and whether the supply of defective medicines has reached other states.
The seven women whose deaths are being investigated include Payal (May 5, New Medical Hospital, Kota), Jyoti (May 7), Priya Mahawar (May 9, J.K. Lone Hospital, Kota), Pinky Mahawar (May 10), Shireen (May 17, New Medical Hospital, Kota), Preeti (June 19, PBM Hospital, Bikaner) and Sharda Nayak (June 21, PBM Hospital, Bikaner).
The attention of the investigating agencies was on the medicines given to women during delivery, in which the suspected ‘Tosin’ oxytocin injection came to the fore. In laboratory testing, its quality was found not to be as per the prescribed standards.
Oxytocin is one of the most important life-saving medicines in maternal health services. It is used to induce labor, stop excessive bleeding after delivery, and to constrict the uterus after abortion. In such a situation, any deficiency in its quality can become a serious threat to both the mother and the newborn.
Now the investigating agencies are also investigating the supply chain of the medicine, distribution records of various batches and the procurement system of the hospitals. The aim of the investigation is to find out whether the deaths of the seven women were directly related to these substandard injections and how the drug quality monitoring system can be further strengthened to prevent such incidents in future.
–IANS
SAK/PM