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Fake Oxytocin Linked to Maternal Deaths in India
12 Jun
Summary
- Fake oxytocin injections, allegedly containing only water, were given.
- Oxytocin is crucial for preventing excessive bleeding post-delivery.
- The probe follows deaths of five women after C-sections.
An inquiry into the recent deaths of five women following C-section deliveries at a government hospital in Kota, Rajasthan, has uncovered allegations of counterfeit oxytocin injections being administered. These alleged fake injections reportedly contained only water, a stark contrast to oxytocin's life-saving role.
Oxytocin is a critical hormone and medication essential for stimulating uterine contractions after childbirth. Its primary function is to help the uterus contract effectively, thereby controlling excessive bleeding and preventing postpartum hemorrhage, a major cause of maternal mortality worldwide. It also aids in milk production.
Experts emphasize that while oxytocin is safe and vital when used correctly, counterfeit or improperly stored versions pose severe risks. Ineffective oxytocin can lead to inadequate uterine contractions, increasing the likelihood of severe bleeding, shock, organ failure, and potentially death. This underscores the imperative for stringent drug quality control, reliable supply chains, and robust regulatory oversight to ensure only genuine, quality-assured medications reach patients.
