WHO seeks India data on oxytocin deaths; Jackson Labs licence cancelled

The World Health Organisation has asked India for details on maternal deaths in Rajasthan linked to oxytocin injections made by Jackson Laboratories. The company's manufacturing licence has been cancelled.

The request is part of a routine global pharmacovigilance process, the Centre said, not a finding against the product or the manufacturer. India's drug regulator is reviewing the case.

Oxytocin is a standard drug used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal mortality. The deaths in Rajasthan triggered an investigation that found quality issues with the specific batch.

Jackson Laboratories did not respond to requests for comment. The company's licence cancellation means it cannot produce or distribute the drug until the regulator completes its probe.

The WHO typically requests data from member states when adverse event reports suggest a pattern. The agency has not issued a formal alert or recall recommendation.

India's health ministry said it is cooperating with the WHO and has shared preliminary findings. A final report is expected within weeks.

The case has drawn attention to drug quality oversight in India, which supplies a large share of generic medicines globally. The government has stepped up inspections of manufacturing facilities in recent months.