New Delhi:
Use of condoms among sexually active people in the national Capital is on the decline while oral pills are gaining more popularity as an effective contraceptive measure.
As per latest city government statistics, the usage of condoms has declined to 94,76,000 in the year 2008-09 from 1,23,77,000 in 2006-07.
Although use of condoms has gone down over the last three years, it still continues to be the most preferred contraceptive option among the Delhiites.
During the same period, preferences for oral pills have gone up significantly.
In the year 2008-09, the demand for oral pills had risen to 1,81,412 from 1,19,549 in the year 2006-07, according to the Delhi Statistical handbook.
Officials said the data was collected from various government hospitals and health centres as well as chemist shops across the city.
Director of Delhi Health Services S Bhattacharjee said the trend of preferring oral pills over condoms is not disturbing.
"It shows the growing awareness among the women about use of contraceptive methods. The trend is not disturbing," he said replying to a question on whether decline in use of condoms may increase the possibility of a rise in HIV and AIDS patients in the city.