Last Updated on May 1, 2025 by The Health Master
MTP Kits
In a bold move to curb the rising issue of sex-selective pregnancy termination, Haryana has tightened its regulations.
The state government has taken decisive action against the illegal sale and distribution of abortion kits, particularly Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) kits.
Recent investigations reveal that families are increasingly ordering these kits online from states like Goa, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
This crackdown has led to the arrest of five individuals and the registration of 14 First Information Reports (FIRs) against e-commerce firms involved in this illicit trade.
Special Task Force (STF) officials, supported by widespread use of medical termination methods, have identified a network operating across state lines.
Haryana health authorities and FDA Haryana drug officers have since imposed a ban in the state, targeting these illegal activities head-on.
Uncovering the Scale of the Issue
The STF, under the direct supervision of a gynecologist, has uncovered a disturbing pattern.
Government hospitals and authorized private facilities are permitted to administer these medications to terminate pregnancies, but only up to nine weeks and under strict supervision.
However, unauthorized officer deliveries of MTP kits have been rampant, throwing legal provisions into disarray.
Nearly two months ago, Haryana Additional Chief Secretary Sudhir Rajpal formed the STF to tackle cases related to the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.
Since then, the task force has made dedicated efforts to curb the online sale of illegal MTP kits.
Investigations between February 11 and March 10 revealed a network of e-commerce platforms and sellers deceiving customers with such kits, conducting raids at Medical Termination of Pregnancy centers.
STF Convener Dr. Virender Yadav said, “The additional chief secretary has directed regular monitoring of MTP centers countrywide.”
If a center is found indulging in female feticide, it should be closed, and the licenses of gynecologists involved in the female feticide should be canceled.
Nationwide Crackdown and Arrests
The crackdown extended beyond Haryana, with coordinated efforts across states.
In Uttar Pradesh, arrests were made in Ghaziabad and Budaun, while in Bihar, one individual from Bhagalpur was apprehended.
Official records indicate that 300 of the total 1,500 MTP kits were found hidden in a shop in Haryana, leading to its cancellation or voluntary surrender after the formation of the STF two months ago.
In Panchkula’s Haripur village, a chemist shop supplied an MTP kit to a customer without a prescription on February 25, resulting in a sales invoice.
The shop’s license was canceled, and the accused was arrested.
Similarly, in Faridabad on February 28, authorities seized 1,200 tablets of alprazolam, 3 bottles of codeine syrup, and 35 types of other allopathic drugs, including 20 MTP kits, from a rear seat and boot space of a car.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans
Authorities are coordinating with police in states where these e-commerce companies operate and deliver MTP kits.
Plans are afoot to take legal action against these firms, besides getting persons indulging in the online supply of these kits arrested.
Manmohan Taneja, State Drugs Controller, FDA Haryana, noted, “Not only online delivery of MTP kits, but also pharmacists selling these products without a prescription (TMP) are a challenge to the officials.”
Health experts emphasize the need for awareness.
An MTP kit comprises five tablets, including one tablet of mifepristone and four tablets of misoprostol.
Both medications are classified as Schedule-H drugs, requiring a registered medical practitioner for purchase.
MTP kits prominently display the warning: “To be used only under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner.”
Q. What triggered the crackdown of MTP kits in Haryana?
A. The rise in sex-selective abortions and illegal online sales of MTP kits prompted Haryana to impose stricter norms and launch a statewide ban.
Q. What actions have been taken against offenders?
A. Five arrests and 14 FIRs have been registered, with ongoing raids and license cancellations of involved shops.
Q. How can one legally access MTP kits?
A. MTP kits must be administered under a gynecologist’s supervision in authorized medical facilities up to nine weeks of pregnancy.
Q. What is the role of the STF in this operation?
A. The Special Task Force, led by a gynecologist, monitors MTP centers and coordinates nationwide efforts to stop illegal practices.
Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
Disclaimer: The information we have provided is for general knowledge and for informational purpose only and it cannot be treated as medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health issues and / or for the treatment of the same. The Health Master does not claim responsibility for this information.
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