New Delhi: The Central government has taken stringent regulatory action in the Kota maternal deaths case by cancelling the manufacturing licences of Jackson Laboratories’ units in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The action follows allegations that substandard or fake oxytocin injections supplied to government hospitals may have contributed to the deaths of five women after Caesarean-section deliveries.
Licences Cancelled After Inspections
According to official sources, joint inspections were conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the drug regulatory authorities of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The teams examined the company’s compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices and reportedly found serious deficiencies.
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Based on the inspection findings and recommendations, the respective State Licensing Authorities cancelled the manufacturing licences of the concerned Jackson Laboratories units.
Maternal Deaths Triggered Probe
The incident came to light after five women died between May 5 and May 17 following Caesarean-section procedures at a government hospital in Kota, Rajasthan. Reports said the women developed severe complications, including kidney failure, urinary failure and urinary obstruction.
Oxytocin is a critical medicine used to induce labour and prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth. Any compromise in its quality can pose serious risks to maternal health.
WHO Seeks Details From India
The World Health Organization has sought additional information from India after media reports linked the incident to oxytocin injections manufactured by Jackson Laboratories. Health Ministry officials clarified that the WHO communication is part of routine global pharmacovigilance and regulatory surveillance.
Officials said the WHO’s request should not be treated as a finding against either the manufacturer or the product, but as a standard public health assessment process.
Further Action Possible
The Union government has also sought a detailed report from the Rajasthan government to establish the exact sequence of events and determine the cause of the maternal deaths. Officials said further legal and regulatory action will be taken if the ongoing investigation reveals additional violations.
The case has renewed concerns over pharmaceutical quality control, hospital drug procurement systems and regulatory oversight of life-saving medicines.
