MTP Kits Being Sold Illegally In Raigad District

Navi Mumbai, 15 Feb 2018: The Raigad Pharmacist Forum has alleged that kits for medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) are being sold illegally across the district. A group of operators from Mumbai allegedly bring kits from outside the state and sell it to doctors in rural areas.

“A drug mafia is active in Raigad. The group operates from Mumbai and sells MTP kits illegally to doctors. Most BAMS and BHMS doctors purchase these kits from the mafia who get these from companies that have been shut down but manufacturing is on illegally. They are manufactured at pharmaceutical units, which have been closed, both inside and outside the state. The mafia procures the kits and delivers them to these doctors,” alleged forum president Shashank Mhatre.

The quantum of MTP kits supplied and stocked is limited to prevent action by the FDA but some doctors stock them illegally, Mhatre said. Kits of mainstream companies cost between ₹ 150 and ₹ 200 and are administered under doctor prescription and supervision.

“A copy of the prescription is kept with the doctor, the patient and the drug store. FDA rules are strict but the drug mafia has found a way out to sell these kits. They are manufactured and sold illegally at a price between ₹ 3,000 or ₹ 4000,” Mhatre added.

FDA Raigad assistant commissioner Girish Hukare said the MTP kits are stocked by the wholesaler (company’s authorised agency or dealer) and the retailers buy it from them. “We carry out routine checks on MTP kits storage or sale at chemist stores. A state-wide campaign has reduced the quantity of storage at drug stores,” FDA Raigad drug inspector B A Mahanwar said.The Times Of India