A batch of oxytocin injections supplied to government hospitals in Rajasthan has reportedly failed quality tests, following which the state's Drug Control Department has banned its sale and use across Rajasthan.
The issue came to light after several women developed serious complications at the New Medical College Hospital in Kota. According to reports, at least five pregnant and postpartum women died after undergoing C-section deliveries and uterine surgeries in recent days.
Officials said the oxytocin injections used at the hospital were allegedly fake. Laboratory testing reportedly found that the medicine lacked the required component used to control excessive bleeding during and after childbirth. Oxytocin is commonly administered to women during delivery to prevent heavy blood loss.
Jackson Laboratories reportedly manufactured the injections. After the test results, authorities seized the entire stock of the medicine from the Kota hospital and stopped its distribution across the state.
Women developed serious health problems after surgery
According to preliminary findings, several women suffered a sudden drop in blood pressure and platelet count within hours after surgery. Some patients also showed signs of kidney failure around 8 to 12 hours after C-section procedures.
Officials are also investigating batches of IV fluids used at the hospital to determine whether they may have contributed to the complications.
Government starts an investigation
The Rajasthan government has ordered a high-level enquiry into the deaths. A specialised medical team from SMS Medical College has been sent to Kota to assist doctors and investigate the matter.
Hospital authorities said the exact cause behind the deaths has not yet been confirmed and the enquiry is still underway.
Rajasthan Drug Controller Ajay Phatak confirmed that samples of the oxytocin injection had failed testing. Following this, the sale and use of the drug has been stopped across the state.
The health department has also suspended some medical staff linked to the case pending investigation.
Officials said the incident is part of a larger crackdown on suspected fake and substandard medicines in Rajasthan. Over the past 10 days, samples of 11 medicines sold across the state reportedly failed quality checks.
According to preliminary findings, medicines used for fever, allergies, infections, pain relief, and antibiotics were among those found to be fake or substandard. The medicines were reportedly manufactured by companies based in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Maharashtra.