Drugs Department Seizes 31,700 Oxytocin Injections In Patparganj
On Thursday, the Delhi Drugs Control Department seized 31,700 poorly stored oxytocin injections from a pharmaceutical firm in the Patparganj Industrial Area. The critical drugs, used primarily during childbirth and to treat postpartum haemorrhage, were found stored at room temperature instead of the mandated cold-chain temperature range of 2°C to 8°C.
The inspecting team conducted the search at the local pharmaceutical distributor following specific inputs. The department had received information that several pharmaceutical distributors across the city were failing to maintain the prescribed cold-chain temperatures for this crucial drug.
During the inspection, officials discovered that the firm had kept the Oxywin (oxytocin injection IP 5 IU/ml) batch under standard room temperature conditions. According to department officials, storing the product at room temperature results in a complete loss of its efficacy. This improper storage violates Rule 65 (17) of the Drugs Rules, 1945, and poses a severe threat to public health.
An official from the department, speaking on the condition of anonymity, explained that the seized stock had been procured in May 2026 from a supplying firm located in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The injections had reportedly been kept under these improper room-temperature conditions ever since they were received by the Delhi firm.
In response to the discovery, the Delhi Drugs Control Department has initiated further investigations and legal proceedings. To prevent the compromised medication from reaching patients, officials have gathered details on the exact quantities that had already been distributed from this batch. This information will be used to issue immediate stop-sale and recall directions.
The department has also issued a stern warning to other pharmaceutical distributors in the city. Officials stated that inspections will continue regularly, and strict action will be taken against any distributors found failing to store medicines in accordance with the prescribed rules.
This enforcement action comes amid heightened scrutiny of oxytocin supplies. Last month, the Delhi Drugs Control Department seized 2,675 ampoules of oxytocin injection IP 5 IU/ml from Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after receiving reports that the batch was not of standard quality and did not contain synthetic oxytocin.
