The controversial stomach ulcer drug Misoprostol has not been used to induce labour at Dubbo Base Hospital.
That's the word from respected obstetrician Dr John Tooth who is keen to reassure local parents as a major health scandal emerges throughout the State.
Misoprostol, also known as Cytotec, has been linked to birth defects with Wagga Wagga Base Hospital admitting negligence in a drug trial conducted from 2002 to 2003.
Other hospitals are known to have induced labour with Misoprostol, and one woman whose newborn baby died at Royal Women's Hospital in 1977, fears she was experimented on without her consent.
According to Dr Tooth, there is no need for alarm in Dubbo because Misoprostol has not been used.
"Induction occurs frequently, perhaps in 20 per cent of births," he said.
"At Dubbo Base labour is induced in three ways - by rupturing the membranes and/or using the drugs Prostin (a vaginal gel) or Syntocinon (given through an intravenous drip).
"Local obstetricians have read research papers about Misoprostol, which is supposed to be very effective and cheap, but because it has not been licensed to induce labour we decided not to use the drug.
"I don't know the background of why Misoprostol was used at Wagga Wagga and wouldn't like to postulate on that.
"The important thing locally is that Misoprostol has not been given to induce labour in Dubbo and I very much doubt it has been used in any other hospital in our region."
Dr Tooth said any parents with concerns should discuss the matter with their general practitioner or the doctor who delivered their baby.
A local pharmacist, who preferred not to be identified, said Misoprostol was an old drug used infrequently.
"I've only dispensed it about three times in a 28 years. It has a bad reputation and is rarely used due to side effects including breakthrough menstrual bleeding, uterine cramps, headaches, nausea and abdominal pain.
"I'm very surprised to see the drug given to induce labour.
"In a sensitive situation like this it's probably best not to be named. I don't want to offend local doctors."