NSAIDs TOXICITY TO VULTURES

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Context

• DTAB banned two NSAIDs however it did not provide any direction on third non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug.
• In the wake of impact on animal health and the environment, DTAB has given recommendations to set up a committee.
• The committee will prepare a list of such harmful drugs.

Other Details

Ban

• In its 89th meeting DTAB recommended a ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of two NSAIDs which are Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac.
• In livestock treatment these two drugs are used extensively.
• However DTAB have not recommended anything for Nimesulide, a similar and equally harmful NSAID to vultures.

Need for Ban

• These NSAIDs adversely impact the health and wellbeing of vultures and impact their conservation.
• It is estimated that a volumetric change in vulture population, from 4 crores to just 19,000, is because of widespread and unchecked use of NSAIDs.

Benefits of Vultures for Environment

• It will improve the population of vultures which are known to be scavengers.
• They clean up and improve health of ecosystem by eating dead animals’ body.
• They can also effectively control infection in our ecosystem.
• They are also helpful in averting the risk of water contamination due to the dead animals near water bodies.
• Hence they contribute to the mitigation of disease

Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)

• It is a statutory body formed under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• It is subordinate to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and gives advice to Union and state Government on technical matters arising out of the administration of this Act.
• It also advises and takes policy decision on technical matters related to drugs in India.

Non-steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs These are the therapeutic drug which has effect similar to steroid drugs. These drugs are commonly used to relieve pain and fever. For instance they are taken for an instant relief from headache, body aches, fever, Dental pain, Menstrual cramps, swelling etc. Some examples of such drugs are – Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Nimesulide etc.

PRACTICE QUESTION Critically analyse the effectiveness of regulating bodies on health of animals. Discuss the adverse impact of Non-steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs on overall health of ecosystem. (250 words)

https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2023/jun/18/vultures-get-a-chance-as-apex-regulatory-body-suggests-ban-on-twodrugs-2586035.html