A fake batch of oxytocin injections in Rajasthan has been found in a Kota hospital, where at least five pregnant women have died. The incident prompted the Drug Control Department to ban its sale and use across the state.
The batch of oxytocin injections supplied to government hospitals in Rajasthan failed quality tests.
The women reportedly died at government hospitals in Kota after developing severe complications hours after surgery. According to health authorities, patients suffered a sudden drop in blood pressure and platelet count, along with symptoms of kidney failure, within 8 to 12 hours after undergoing a C-section.
A high-level enquiry into the deaths was launched by the Rajasthan government. The investigating team is also examining the IV fluid batches used in the hospitals.
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The exact cause of the deaths would be revealed only after a detailed investigation.
Rajasthan Drug Controller Ajay Phatak said that the entire stock of oxytocin injection at the Kota hospital was seized.
The development comes amid a wider crackdown on suspected counterfeit medicines in Rajasthan. Samples of 11 medicines sold across the state over the past 10 days had failed quality checks.
Drugs used for treating fever, allergies, stomach infections, managing pain and antibiotics were among those found to be fake.
Reports said that the medicines were manufactured by companies based in several states, including Delhi, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
What's the role of oxytocin injection?
Oxytocin is primarily used in pregnancy to induce or strengthen labour contractions and to control excessive bleeding after childbirth.
According to the National Institutes of Health, an oxytocin injection (often called Pitocin) is not universally unavoidable. While it is a routine, life-saving medication for preventing postpartum haemorrhage and managing miscarriages, its use during labour is only required if your body needs medical assistance to start or progress.
If there is a medical emergency such as premature rupture of membranes, preeclampsia and fetal distress, inducing labour with oxytocin is necessary for the safety of the mother and the baby.
