DRUG CRACKDOWN IN DELHI: OVER 160 Sample of Cancer Drugs Collected
In a major crackdown, the Drug Control department has collected over 160 samples of cancer drugs across Delhi as part of a special enforcement drive. The collection comes after a recent busting of a racket selling spurious, unauthorised, and unregistered cancer drugs to unsuspecting patients.
Following the busting of the racket in mid-last month, the Drug Control department launched a suo motu action to check for possible spurious, counterfeit, or substandard products. The raids covered major drug distribution hubs close to cancer centres in South Delhi, including AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, Lok Nayak Hospital adjoining the Central Delhi zone; Darya Ganj and Bhagirath Place near Rajiv Gandhi Hospital in Rohini; and Laxmi Nagar in East Delhi.
An official from the Drug Control department said that out of 40 firms where the department conducted raids, violations were found in 15 shops. "Sale and purchase records of these 15 firms revealed discrepancies in billing; some could not provide records," the official stated. The department has initiated action for contraventions of various provisions under the Drugs Rules 1945.
This is the second major drive after one-and-a-half years, with a focus on fast-moving drugs before this. The recent drive was aimed at checking cancer drugs moving in the market and is the first time it has specifically focused on cancer drugs.
Sources revealed that out of the total samples collected, over 70% are cancer drugs. Some some of the samples include Imatinib Tablets (Veenat 400), Imatinib 100 mg, Capegard 500, Armotraz tablet, Hydroxyurea Capsules IP 500 mg, and Cycloxan tablet.
"The reports will likely come in the next three to four weeks. Some samples have been sent to labs outside Delhi as well," an official from the Drug Control department added.
Delhi has emerged as a transit point for spurious drugs, with sources stating that Bhagirath Place is one of such key locations where these drugs are sold. They then move to different states including Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Patna in Bihar, and cities in Jharkhand. In Delhi, retailers are more cautious due to increased scrutiny from the authorities.
The Drug Control department intends to take stern legal action against offenders, including prosecution in the court of law, in case some samples are found to be spurious or counterfeit.