Chandigarh doctors object to restriction of 'love hormone' production

CHANDIGARH: A day before Valentine's Day, the Indian Medical Association, Chandigarh, has expressed its resentment against government's decision to manufacture oxytocin, a love hormone, only through a public sector undertaking. The hormone's misuse by the dairy farmers had compelled the government to restrict its production.

The government had recently filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court to challenge the Delhi high court order on oxytocin. The petition was admitted and is being taken up on Valentine's Day. The government continues to press for a stay on the Delhi high court order that had prevented creation of a monopoly for this life-saving drug by limiting production to a public sector company, Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Limited (KAPL).

"The IMA has no objection to KAPL manufacturing oxytocin exclusively for veterinary use. Curtailing the manufacture of a lifesaving-drug, which is listed in the national and WHO lists of essential medicines with restrictions, will create artificial bottlenecks and shortages," said Dr Santanu Sen, national president of IMA.

Oxytocin is a lifesaving-drug used during child birth. It is the only drug available to control bleeding after delivery. "If the manufacturers are unable to supply it on time, we will have lot of problems and it will be our responsibility. Instead of regulating the misuse, the government is affecting the supply to those who need it," said Dr Neeraj Nagpal, president IMA, Chandigarh.

The dairy misuse could be prevented through strict control in sale and the end use of the drug, especially prevention of sales through clandestine channels, said the doctors.