Spurious Oxytocin Linked to C-Section Deaths in India

The Union Health Ministry is investigating a serious health crisis in Rajasthan, demanding a detailed report from the state government concerning women who developed complications, some fatal, after caesarean surgeries in public hospitals. This action follows the World Health Organization's inquiry into the potential connection between spurious oxytocin and these adverse events, aiming to determine if the problem is localized or more widespread.

In response to alarming findings, including unhygienic manufacturing conditions and evidence of data tampering, authorities have canceled the licenses of a Kota-based wholesale drug distributor and two factories in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Inspections revealed significant irregularities, such as the absence of crucial drug purity tests and evidence of falsified data. The implicated drug, oxytocin, is vital for inducing labor and preventing postpartum hemorrhage, with many affected women experiencing excessive blood loss.

Recent cases include eight women falling ill after C-sections in Jodhpur, with two requiring transfer to AIIMS. Earlier, Bikaner reported six women with kidney failure, two of whom died, following similar procedures. A more severe outbreak in Kota in May saw five women die and five others requiring ongoing dialysis due to kidney failure after C-sections.

While Rajasthan authorities have denied a direct link between all deaths, the investigations into the drug supply chain are intensifying. The WHO's involvement is described as routine pharmacovigilance, seeking to ensure global drug safety standards. The findings by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) at Jackson Laboratories, the manufacturer, highlighted non-compliance with previous orders, unhygienic practices, and evidence of "record tampering" in oxytocin batches supplied to Rajasthan. Furthermore, finished oxytocin was found to be stored at an inappropriate temperature, deviating from the recommended 2 to 8 degrees C.