Purna Singh New Delhi

Ina major crackdown on violations of drug safety norms, the Delhi Government’s Drugs Control Department on Thursday seized 31,700 Oxytocin injections after they were found to have been stored at room temperature instead of under mandatory refrigerated conditions, raising concerns over the medicine’s quality and effectiveness.

The action was taken during a special inspection ordered by Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh as part of an intensified enforcement drive against violations of drug storage and quality regulations across the national capital. The raid was conducted at a pharmaceutical establishment in the Patparganj Industrial Area, where officials found a batch of Oxytocin Injection IP 5 IU/ml being stored in violation of prescribed cold chain norms.

Oxytocin, a temperature-sensitive medicine widely used in obstetric care, must be stored between 2°C and 8°C to retain its potency and therapeutic efficacy. According to the inspection report, the seized stock had allegedly remained at room temperature since it was procured in May 2026, increasing the risk that its effectiveness had been compromised. Officials found that although the premises had a functional refrigerator, medicines requiring cold storage had not been kept inside, amounting to a violation of Rule 65(17) of the Drugs Rules, 1945, which mandates proper storage conditions for medicines.

Considering the potential health risks, the department seized the entire stock under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, to prevent distribution of medicines whose efficacy may have been affected. Authorities have also traced the distribution network of the affected batch and will issue stop-sale notices and product recall orders wherever necessary.

Legal proceedings have been initiated against those responsible.

Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that only safe and effective medicines reach patients. “The Delhi Government has zero tolerance for any compromise with the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines. Patient safety will remain our highest priority,” he said.

The minister directed the Drugs Control Department to intensify surprise inspections across Delhi and warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone violating statutory storage and quality norms. Officials said the enforcement drive will continue across the city to strengthen regulatory oversight and safeguard public health.