HUBBALLI/BELAGAVI: Karnataka Institute of Medical Science (KIMS) Hospital, Hubballi, where every day around 40 deliveries take place, may face the heat of the restriction. The private hospitals in Hubballi have very little stock in their pharmacies.
Gynaecologists believe that ban on manufacturing Oxytocin by private pharmaceutical companies would adversely affect deliveries. They say the drug is their first choice, it is time-tested and the safest drug to stop postpartum haemorrhage.
Dr Ramalingappa Antartani, head of gynaecology department, KIMS, said, “KIMS has 5,400 ampoules of oxytocin which will last for one month. The government instead of banning should have taken steps to prevent the misuse of drugs in other sectors. It is being said that Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Ltd would provide the drug. But our concern is that the drug should be of high standard and it should supply the required quantity. Any lapses in supply of the drug will damage the process of childbirth. At KIMS, every year 60,000 to 70,000 deliveries take place every year.”
A gynaecologist of a private maternity hospital in the city said that there is no replacement for oxytocin as of now and that other drugs could be used but they are not safe. “Our pharmacy has around 100 ampoules which would last for a week,” the doctor said.
Dr Prabhu Biradar, Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation Health Officer, said, “We are not worried about the ban on retail sale of oxytocin, as we have enough stock and we have been purchasing the drug from KAPL itself. We get the supply whenever a requirement is sent. At Chitaguppi hospital which is the second choice of pregnant women for delivery in the city have all the necessary drugs.”
Gynaecologist Dattaprasad Venkatesh Gijare from Belagavi told The New Indian Express that a proper survey should have been conducted by the government to know the requirement of Oxytocin in and around hospitals and clinics in public and private sector across the country before implementing the retail sale ban.