Milestone - Union Govt. Bans Nimesulide, a drug harmful to Vultures 

Good news in the New Year - Union Govt. Bans Nimesulide, a drug harmful to Vultures 

Early morning on 1st January 2025, my colleague shared a message over WhatsApp stating that the Nimesulide anti-inflammatory drug is being withdrawn from veterinary use. I couldn't believe it! I was in a remote area conducting fieldwork, observing a tagged vulture. While I was still awaiting the official announcement and Gazette notification, I am incredibly grateful to the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, drug controller general of the Union Government of India, for this significant step.

Last month, Arulagam organized a signature campaign to advocate for the withdrawal of Nimesulide. Some people dismissed it as a waste of time, but now we see the fruits and positive steps.

Incontrovertible research has shown that Nimesulide is harmful to vultures. Coincidentally, there were recent reports about the drug's safety concerns in children.

Arulagam also initiated the signature campaign to withdrawal the drug for veterinary usage.And also sent a appeal letter to the Minister for Health and Family Welfare. 

 

This success and credits should go to the tireless work of organizations like the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology (Wildlife Institute of India),  Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bombay Natural History Society, Saving Asia's Vultures from Extinction, Bird Conservation organizations and those who signed the petition.

However, this is only the first step. The Union Government of India already banned the drugs, Diclofenac, Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac for veterinary use due to the ill effects on vultures. But alarmingly these drugs are still available in the market. Already the vulture population is catastrophically dwindling. Every small action is meaningful to save the remaining vultures is crucial.

To ensure the effective protection of vultures, vial size is also restricted to only 3 ml.

Drug inspectors should conduct frequent periodic raids to prevent the illegal sale of this banned drug. 

Before introducing new NSAIDs to the market, safety testing should be conducted to assess their potential hazards to vultures. Nimesulide is proven harmful to children under the age of 14 and hence it should be removed totally.

Still, a long way to go. However, a massive THANK YOU to all who supported by signing the petition and Change.org's platform for amplifying our voice. Wish you a happy New Year. 

- Bharathidasan S, Secretary Arulagam.