(a) whether the Government are embarking on a programme to upgrade contraceptive technology including a new sterilization technique in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which the new alternative procedure for men as a reversible contraceptive technique is likely to be made available?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a)&(b): Governemnt of India has continuously been conducting research to expand the contraceptive choices both for men and women as well as improving the utilization of existing methods of family planning. Only recently CuT 380 A (a long term intrauterine device) has been added in the National Family Welfare Programme to expand choices for women. This will provide long term (upto 10 years protection for women. An Emergency Contraceptive Pill is being included in the National Programme as a back up measure in the event of non-use i.e. unprotected sex and also to safeguard against an unplanned pregnancy in the event of sexual assault, molestation etc. Besides these, a monthly injectable contraceptive for women is undergoing clinical evaluation by Indian Council of Medical Research.
For males, the technique of `No-cut, No-stitch` Vasectomy known as No Scalpel Vasectomy, is receiving favourable response in many states.
Finally, clinical trials have commenced in respect of an emerging contraceptive for males. An injectable comprising of a bio-active compound and a specific co-polymer of Styrene. Maleic Anhydride dissolved in a solvent of Dimethyl Sulphoxide when injected in the vas deferens, serves as a long term spacing method for males.
(c): Phase-I clinical trial of this injectable for males was conducted in 1993 on 38 male volunteers whose wives had already undergone sterilization. Phase-II clinical trial was completed in 1997 on subjects whose wives were having normal reproductive profile. The results of both Phase-I and Phase-II clinical trials have confirmed the safety of the drug, demonstrated azoosperimia and gave complete protection against any possible pregnancy in the female.
Limited Phase-III clinical trial aiming to enroll 150 subjects is ongoing at three centers in Delhi. to increase the enrolment of the subjects, the trial has been recently extended to one more center at Jaipur. The matter of release of the drug will be decided upon successful completion of Phase-III clinical trial and analysis of the relevant data.