NEWSFLASH-GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO WOMEN’S GROUP OPPOSITION TO INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTIVES

NEWSFLASH!!

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO WOMEN’S GROUP OPPOSITION TO INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTIVES

Newsletter Jan – Apr 2005

It looks like the pressure by Women’s groups a few months back has staved off the introduction of injectables in the Family Welfare Programme. Of course, it only means that we need to be vigilant about when the studies mentioned in the letter are completed, and the results are out. Reproduced below is the letter we received in response to our follow up of our joint petition.   

No.N.14013/22/2000/TO, dated 19.4.05 

Government Response to Women’s Group Opposition to injectable Contraceptives

This has reference to your letter dated 6.1.2005 addressed to Honourable Minister for Health and Family Welfare alleged regarding dangers of injectable contraceptives to Women’s Health. In this connection I am to inform you that injectable Contraceptive which has accorded marketing permission is being used in the country on the prescription of a physician since early 90’s. However Government of India is not contemplating to introduce the same in the National Family Welfare Program till the study on the effects of injectable contraceptive on Indian Women’s health is completed by ICMR and the NIRRH, Mumbai and the findings are favourable. Based on the results of these studies the Department will take a decision on the introduction of injectables under the National Family Welfare Program.

Dr (Mrs) MS Jayalakshmi, Deputy Commissioner (RSS)