Oxytocin at a fix: Reasons for Ban

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.