Sales of condoms and contraceptive tablets increased during COVID-19 lockdowns, while sterilisations decreased: Report

• Image Credit: Unicersity of Ottawa

• Jan 29, 2023 | Poonam Nath

Health Management Information System report, efforts have been undertaken in FY 2020–21 to distribute free condoms through HIV facilities...

Digital Desk: Based on the latest reports, condom and contraceptive tablet sales increased in India amid the COVID-19-induced lockdowns and limitations in 2020–2021. While contraception sales grew during this time period, male and female sterilisations declined dramatically. 

According to sources, the sterilisation rate fell by 25% in 2021–22 compared to the previous year, from 34.57 lakh to 9.35 lakh, but condom distribution increased by 7% despite lockdowns and COVID restrictions. At the same time, the use of chhaya (contraceptive) pills doubled.

According to the Health Management Information System report, efforts were undertaken in FY 2020–21 to distribute free condoms through HIV facilities in addition to the TI project settings. In comparison to the previous year's budget allocation of Rs 40 crore, an allocation of Rs 77 crore was made this year to fulfil increasing demand due to an increase in the number of TIs and the supply of free condoms for HRGs at HIV centres.

"Despite the pandemic, condom distribution increased by 7.2% compared to 2020-21," according to a health ministry study cited by The New Indian Express. 

According to the report, Uttar Pradesh was the leading state in the distribution of condoms, followed by Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, and Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, and Jharkhand.

The figures show that 33.70 crore condoms were sold in 2021-22, up from 31.45 crores in 2020-21.According to the report, the figures fell short of India's previous high of 34.44 crores in 2018-19, a year before the pandemic began.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, centchroman, often known as Chhaya tablets, became the contraceptive method of choice in practically all states. Furthermore, the combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill increased by 8.7 percent between 2020 and 21.