New Delhi | February 09, 2026
Following directions from Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, the Drugs Control Department of the Government of NCT of Delhi conducted a focused enforcement drive to monitor the quality and availability of lifesaving anticancer medicines in the capital. The initiative aims to protect vulnerable patients undergoing critical treatment and prevent circulation of substandard or spurious drugs.
During the drive, multiple teams inspected 25 retail and wholesale establishments dealing with anticancer drugs across East, South, West, and North-West Delhi, including Laxmi Nagar, Yusuf Sarai, Green Park, Okhla Industrial Area, Paschim Vihar, Dwarka, and Rohini. Inspections were particularly concentrated around major hospital clusters and pharmaceutical markets to ensure that patients have access to only safe and quality medicines.
Six firms were found violating provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, and legal proceedings have been initiated against them in accordance with regulations. In addition, 33 legal samples and 22 specimen samples of anticancer medicines were collected for laboratory testing. The department will take necessary action based on test results to prevent any spurious or substandard medicines from reaching patients.
Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasized that anticancer drugs are lifesaving and any compromise in quality poses serious risks. The government has intensified surveillance of the supply chain to ensure that only genuine, effective, and standards-compliant medicines are supplied to hospitals, pharmacies, and patients.
The Health Minister further stated that zero tolerance will be maintained for fake or substandard medicines, especially for cancer treatment. Continuous inspections, strict enforcement, and regular monitoring are a priority to protect patients. Public and healthcare institutions have been advised to procure medicines only from licensed sources and immediately report any irregularities to the Drugs Control Department.
“Patient safety is non-negotiable. We will ensure that only safe, effective, and quality medicines are available to the people of Delhi,” he added.
The Drugs Control Department reaffirmed its commitment to proactive enforcement and public health protection, ensuring that every cancer patient in Delhi has access to genuine and quality medicines.
