A disturbing trend has come to light in the Vasai-Virar area, where abortion pills, also known as MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) kits, are being sold illegally in the black market. The local police have registered a case against an individual involved in this illicit trade and seized a large stockpile of these pills. This racket appears to involve doctors and pharmacists as well, and the police are currently investigating their roles.
The police received information that private doctors and medical store owners in the city were illegally selling abortion pills. An MTP kit contains five pills and is priced at just 60 rupees. However, in the black market, these kits are being sold for anywhere between 5,000 to 10,000 rupees. Acting on a tip-off, the Valiv police set a trap and apprehended a man named Ajit Pandey, aged 42, in Shirdi Nagar, Nalasopara. He did not have any license to sell medicines but was found selling these pills to both pharmacists and private doctors. Based on a complaint by drug inspector Kishore Ranjane, various charges have been filed against Pandey under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The police seized 300 such kits from him, valued at approximately 1.3 lakh rupees.
The company manufacturing these pills is based in Pune, from where they are distributed to Uttar Pradesh. Ajit Pandey was procuring these pills from Uttar Pradesh and selling them in Vasai-Virar. Police Sub-Inspector Sandesh Rane of Valiv police station stated that some private doctors were selling these pills at exorbitant prices. The kits have barcodes, which will help trace their distribution and identify those involved in the illegal sale, ensuring appropriate action is taken.
The Dangers of Taking Abortion Pills Without Medical Advice
Abortion pills are meant to be administered by gynecologists to terminate a pregnancy without surgery. Before prescribing these pills, doctors conduct thorough physical examinations of the women to determine the correct dosage. Selling these pills without a doctor’s prescription is illegal, and taking them without medical advice can be life-threatening. Dr. Bhakti Chaudhary, the chief medical officer of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation, emphasized that unsupervised consumption of these pills could pose severe health risks. She also mentioned that strict action would be taken against any doctors found selling these pills illegally.
Senior Police Inspector Jayaraj Ranavare from Valiv confirmed that they acted swiftly upon receiving information about the illegal sale of abortion pills. A case has been registered, and the investigation is ongoing. Dr. Bhakti Chaudhary further stressed that young women, fearing stigma, might opt for these illegally obtained pills. However, this is dangerous, and she urged women to consult gynecologists who ensure patient confidentiality and provide safe medical advice.
Conclusion
The illegal sale of abortion pills in Vasai-Virar is a grave issue that puts the lives of young women at risk. The local police and health authorities are working together to crack down on this black market trade. It’s crucial for women to seek medical advice from qualified professionals and avoid using such pills without proper guidance. The authorities are committed to taking strict action against those involved in the illegal distribution and sale of these dangerous medications.
