Health gives nod to use of injectable contraceptives

The Health Ministry has given in principle nod to the introduction of injectable contraceptives for women in the family planning programme. The costs of doing so are still being worked out.

Deoxy medroxy progesterone acetate (DMPA) is an injectable drug that prevents pregnancy for three months. The Drug Technical Advisory Board of Drug Controller General of India in its meeting last month had recommended that India should provide the option of DMPA in its family planning programme to widen the basket of contraceptive choices for women. DMPA has a female hormone that prevents the egg from being released from the ovary. It is injected into the arm or buttock muscle.

“We have given in principle approval to the introduction of injectable contraceptives in the family planning programme. The costs though will depend on the levels at which the option is made available. It is still being worked out,” said a senior official of the Health Ministry.