Delhi cracks down on unsafe abortions: 41 chemists found selling pregnancy termination drugs illegally

During the three-day drive, the premises of 157 chemist firms were inspected by the Delhi drug control department

During the drive, the premises of 157 chemist firms were inspected, and 41 firms were found specifically involved in the illegal sale/purchase of MTP kits. (Representative)

In a special drive conducted by the Delhi drug control department, 41 chemist firms were found to be involved in the illegal sale and purchase of MTP kits. The drive was conducted for three days to curb the misuse and illegal sale of Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) kits.

During the drive, the premises of 157 chemist firms were inspected, and 41 firms were found specifically involved in the illegal sale/purchase of MTP kits. “The department intends to take strict action against these firms, as per the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs Rules, 1945,” said an official.

An MTP kit is a combination of medicines, usually Mifepristone and Misoprostol, used for the medical termination of early pregnancy (up to nine weeks) under the supervision of a qualified doctor. It is prescribed by a registered medical practitioner under special circumstances and should be taken under proper medical guidance to avoid complications. It is permitted under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.

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“However, self-medication or purchase without prescription is both illegal and dangerous, as misuse may lead to life-threatening complications, infertility, or other severe health consequences. Unregulated access further encourages unsafe abortions that put women’s health and lives at serious risk,” said an official from the state health department.

The major areas covered in the drive include Badarpur, Jasola, Kalkaji, Pul Prahaladpur, Laxmi Nagar, Ghonda, Maujpur, Rohini, Pitampura, Shalimar Bagh, Uttam Nagar, Budh Vihar, Rithala, Madipur, Harinagar and Nangloi.

An official said the drive also focused on outlets situated near hospitals and nursing homes, where the risk of easy and unregulated access to MTP kits is higher. “Decoy customers were deployed to approach firms without valid prescriptions from registered medical practitioners,” he said.

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