Five women died after undergoing Caesarean section operations at two government hospitals in Rajasthan’s Kota earlier this year. Reports indicate the deaths occurred days after they received oxytocin injections.
Tests showed that vials from one batch held no active ingredient, only water. The substance therefore provided no safeguard against postpartum bleeding.
Following the May deaths, the World Health Organization asked the Indian government for details on the reported distribution of counterfeit oxytocin to Kota hospitals. Manufacturing licences for Jackson Laboratories units in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh were later revoked after inspections by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and state regulators.
Oxytocin is a hormone that triggers uterine contractions during and after childbirth. It also supports milk release. Synthetic versions are given to start or strengthen labour and to prevent excessive bleeding after delivery or surgery.
In a C-section the sudden removal of the placenta can leave the uterus relaxed. Synthetic oxytocin helps the organ contract quickly, limiting blood loss.
Without the active ingredient, the injections given in Kota offered no protection, and several mothers suffered fatal bleeding.
The incident has renewed attention on medicine quality in India. Recent checks by regulators have identified other substandard or contaminated batches, including cough syrups linked to child deaths. Rajasthan has introduced a three-tier testing system for drugs and surgical supplies. Experts call for wider mandatory batch testing and swift licence action when standards are breached.
