Earlier, the drug was easily available to farmers who used it on animals to increase milk production. But it was later found to be dangerous for both the animal and also the people who consumed that milk. Now, states the new rule, only registered hospitals and clinics can purchase the formulations, that too from licensed public sector companies.

It was the easy availability of oxytocin that led to it being overused on milch animals, pointed out Dr K Kolandaisamy, director, Department of Public Health.

Stating that the regulation is introduced to check the usage of the drug on animals, he said, “To ensure that it is still available for humans, registered hospitals and clinics have been told to purchase the formulations from licensed public sector companies or undertakings like Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Limited (KAPL) in Bengaluru.”

Explaining the dangers of overusing this drug, animal rights activist R Natarajan said that the drug could have dangerous health effects on both cattle as well as on those who consume the milk. However, most farmers failed to realise this, he added. 

Echoing him on the harmful effects of the drug, Dr B Sridhar, a general physician in the city, said, “The use of the drug on cows can slowly poison the animal and have toxic effects on the consumers of the milk. Even humans, too, should consume oxytocin only based on doctor’s advice.”