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Context
- Soon after the ban for the retailers, the Drug Controller plans to restrict manufacturing of controversial hormone drug Oxytocin, to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
- The Government of India banned retail sale of the hormone in 2014.
- As per the orders of High Court, The manufacture and sale of Oxytocin without a license is cognizable.
Reason for ban
- Extreme use of Oxytocin in milch animals and by farmers was causing irreversible hormone damage.
- Use of Oxytocin without proper guidance is leading to early sterility in milch animals at an unprecedented rate.
- One major reason for such excessive misuse of this drug is the absence of robust veterinary services in India.
- The cost of procuring the Oxytocin injections was reported high, in spite of subsidized rates.
Challenges
- Despite Oxytocin being a Schedule H drug, it is impossible to prevent its manufacturing at registered private factories.
- But it would be in the interest of the dairy industry and consumers to restrict manufacture and import of Oxytocin.
Notes:
- Oxytocin is a hormone that helps the process of maternity labor.
- It also helps women and female mammals to produce milk.
- It is used by diary owners and farmers to boost milk production and make vegetables look bigger and fresher.
- The drug is often injected into cows and buffaloes twice a day, affecting their health as well of the humans who consumes their milk.
- It opens up an array of physical and psychological effects and is commonly used to facilitate childbirth.
- Oxytocin acts as both hormone and neurotransmitter.
