TV
The Odisha Drugs Control Department on Monday launched a crackdown on the illegal sale of abortion kits at Nayapalli area in Bhubaneswar. A medicine store in the locality was found allegedly selling abortion kits without the required prescriptions from registered medical practitioners.
In the raid conducted by a three-member team from the department, several abortion kits were recovered. The action was part of a broader initiative to curb the misuse of medications like misopristol, which is often used without medical supervision and carries serious health risks.
Department Warns Against Health Risks of Misopristol
An official from the Drugs Control Department stated, “As per the instructions by the department to keep the illegal use of abortion kits in check, we have started our investigation from this shop and found several of them. To curb the illegal use of medications like misopristol in the kit, the department formed a three-member team for the investigation.”
The official further warned, “Misopristol as a medication has severe side effects so it should never be sold without a prescription. This medication should only be taken under the supervision of a medical practitioner. This medication causes heavy bleeding, along with other complications, including infertility in the future.”
Shops Under Scrutiny, Licences May Be Suspended
“All the shops being investigated, as per our information, are selling these drugs, which are being misused as well. The shop will not be sealed today, and a decision will be taken after the final report submission by the Drugs Control Department. The licences of these shops will also be suspended if required after they are issued with a show cause notice,” the official added.
Shopkeeper Responds To Allegations
Responding to the allegations, the shopkeeper said, “These medications were earlier being sold to people who were asking but we have stopped now.”
