The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has clarified that there won't be any modifications made to the distribution and sales of emergency contraceptive pills like Unwanted-72 and I-Pill. This update addresses rumors in the media that the CDSCO was thinking about requiring a prescription for these over-the-counter drugs.
CDSCO sources claim that there was a misinterpretation of the plan to change the regulations pertaining to Schedule H and K listed drugs. Right now, a doctor's prescription is needed to purchase some contraceptive medications, such as Centchroman (Ormiloxofene) and High Dose Ethinylestradiol (Estrogen), because they are categorized under Schedule H. That being said, certain strengths of Schedule K medications are still and will continue to be available without a prescription, including the 1.5 mg Levonorgestrel (Progesterone) tablet—the morning-after pill.
Health experts were concerned earlier about the possible restrictions on the morning-after pill, which many users depend on for emergency contraception. Prescription requirements, according to critics, may prevent access, particularly in emergency scenarios where getting a prescription from a gynecologist may be challenging. This also raised concerns regarding the increased potential of unwanted pregnancies and cases of illegal abortions.
The CDSCO has now underlined that rather than changing the status quo, the proposed revision seeks to explain current regulations.
"There is no proposal to shift the drugs from the non-prescription to the prescription category, and there will be no change in the sales and distribution of emergency contraceptives," officials said.
Experts continue to support a comprehensive approach that ensures access to emergency contraception and increases public awareness of all available alternatives for reproductive health.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Chhavi Garg/MSM)