The Delhi government has confirmed that most cancer drug samples collected from private pharmacies in June have been found to be genuine. As part of an investigation into counterfeit drug rackets, 160 samples were collected, including 127 cancer drugs such as Imatinib (Veenat 400) and Capegard 500. Health department officials said 75 of the cancer drug samples have already been declared compliant with quality standards, while reports for the remaining samples are awaited. The initiative follows multiple complaints about fake cancer drugs circulating in the city.

Key highlights

Sample collection and testing

• Samples collected from pharmacies near major cancer centres in South Delhi, AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, Lok Nayak Hospital, Daryaganj, Bhagirath Place, and Laxmi Nagar.

• Drugs included treatments for breast, colon, rectum cancers, and other critical therapies.

• All received samples so far comply with prescribed quality norms.

Investigation context

• Investigation ordered by Health Minister Pankaj Singh in June following complaints of counterfeit cancer drugs.

• Past month saw arrests of eight men for selling fake cancer drugs in Delhi, including high-value medicines like Opdivo, Pembrolizumab, Cetuximab, and Lenvatinib.

• Counterfeit drugs were being sold at a fraction of legitimate prices, e.g., ₹30,000–50,000 instead of ₹1–3 lakh.

Interstate and enforcement considerations

• Officials noted that the fake drug racket spans multiple states.

• Collaboration across agencies is needed to monitor and curb the circulation of substandard medicines.

• Samples were tested using standard laboratory procedures to ensure accuracy of results.

While the majority of cancer drug samples in Delhi have been confirmed genuine, the ongoing monitoring and investigation highlight the persistent risk of counterfeit medicines in high-value therapeutic segments. Strengthened collaboration between regulatory agencies and robust surveillance of pharmacies remain crucial to protect patients and uphold trust in the pharmaceutical supply chain.