Counterfeit cancer drugs: Most drug samples tested are genuine, says Delhi govt

The government collected 160 samples from private pharmacies in June, of which 127 were specifically cancer drugs

Published on: Aug 22, 2025, 05:26:12 IST

By Ridhima Gupta

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Most of the cancer drug samples taken from private pharmacies by the Delhi government to check their purity are genuine, health department officials said on Thursday. The government collected 160 samples from private pharmacies in June, of which 127 were specifically cancer drugs, as part of an investigation into counterfeit drug rackets.

Samples were taken from distribution hubs near cancer centres in South Delhi, including AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lok Nayak Hospital adjoining the Central Delhi zone, Daryaganj and Bhagirath Place near Rajiv Gandhi Hospital in Rohini, and Laxmi Nagar in East Delhi. The samples included Imatinib (Veenat 400), a combination drug (used alone or with other medicines) to treat different cancers, and Capegard 500, used for breast, colon, and rectum cancers.

“Of the 127 samples of cancer drugs collected from various outlets in Delhi, 75 samples have been declared to be genuine and complying with the prescribed quality norms. The report for the remaining 52 samples is awaited. All the samples whose reports have been received so far are declared to be of standard quality. For the other 30 samples of the total remaining 52 samples, the inquiry report will also likely come soon,” said a senior official from the drug control department on Thursday, requesting anonymity.

In June, health minister Pankaj Singh ordered an investigation following multiple complaints about counterfeit drugs being sold in the city.

Explaining how the drugs were tested, the official cited above said that after the samples were collected, they were sent to labs for testing along with the chemicals and other substances required for the tests.

The official added that the fake cancer drug racket is spread across several states. “While the drug control department is taking steps to monitor the movement of doubtful quality/counterfeit drugs in Delhi, more collaboration from different agencies could help in eradicating the racket at hand,” the official said.

In the past month, there have been several reports of fake cancer drugs being sold in Delhi. On June 6, HT reported that eight men were arrested in Delhi for running a racket selling counterfeit cancer drugs. Among the drugs recovered were high-value cancer treatments such as Opdivo, Pembrolizumab, Cetuximab, Lenvatinib, and seven other critical injections and capsules. Investigators said the medicines, typically priced between ₹1 lakh and ₹3 lakh, were being sold for ₹30,000 to ₹50,000.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ridhima Gupta
Ridhima Gupta is a Principal Correspondent at Hindustan Times, where she covers healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and public health policy. Her reporting centers on Delhi’s major hospitals (AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lok Nayak), the state health department, and emerging medical trends. Ridhima is particularly interested in reporting on healthcare issues through the lens of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Her work often explores the intersection of healthcare and public policy, examining how these factors shape access health care. Based in New Delhi, many of her reports have led to direct government action over the years, in different city. Earlier this year, she completed a media training workshop on the Impact of Extreme Heat on Health, organised by the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), further strengthening her interest in reporting on the intersection of climate change and public health. A postgraduate from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Ridhima has around a decade of experience in journalism. She began her career as a trainee television reporter with Mirror Now in Mumbai and has since worked across multiple cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi, contributing to both print and broadcast newsrooms. She is a recipient of the Laadli Media Fellowship (2022) for her reporting on education, disability, and women’s issues. Before joining Hindustan Times, Ridhima worked with The Times of India, New Indian Express and News18. A native of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Ridhima completed her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology. And when she is not working as a journalist she likes to paint and go on nature hikes.Read More

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