(a) whether oxytocin injection is being sold freely in the market despite
complete ban on its sale;
(b) if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard;
(c) the number of reported cases of deaths caused due to consumption of
oxytocin contaminated vegetables during the last three years in the
country, State-wise and year-wise; and
(d) the number of offenders apprehended in this regard, State-wise and
the action taken against them?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY)
(a) The drug Oxytocin is not banned in the country as it is considered as
an essential drug in medical practice both in human and veterinary fields,
Oxytocin is included in Schedule-H of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
Therefore, it is required to be sold by retail only on prescription of a
Registered Medical Practitioner.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) & (d) Implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the
Rules and Regulations made thereunder rests with State/UT Governments. The
Food Safety and Standard Authority of India has informed that no such case
of death due to consumption of Oxytocin contaminated vegetables has been
brought to their notice.