Bhubaneswar, Dec 2: Odisha’s Drug Control Department has raised alarm over the declining sex ratio in the state, linking the trend to the illegal sale and misuse of Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) kits.

Drugs Controller Mamina Patnaik stated that unauthorized sales of these kits, often without prescriptions or licenses, have become a major concern.

According to Patnaik, women are using MTP kits illegally for terminating unwanted pregnancies and, in some cases, following premature sex determination. This misuse has contributed to the worrying decline in the sex ratio across the state.

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To curb the menace, the department has launched a special statewide drive. Under this initiative, raids were conducted at more than 400 locations, and irregularities were found in over 234 medicine stores. As part of enforcement, 55 store owners have been served show-cause notices, while two shops operating without licenses were sealed.

Patnaik emphasized that the crackdown will continue across Odisha under government directives. The department aims to ensure that MTP kits are sold only through authorized channels and strictly on prescription, thereby preventing misuse and safeguarding public health.

The issue has sparked wider concern about the need for stricter monitoring of pharmaceutical sales and stronger awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of unregulated use of such medicines.