Breaking the blister pack: Counterfeit, adulterated medicines network busted
Delhi Police have dismantled a major inter-state network involved in the distribution of counterfeit and adulterated high-value cancer medications. The investigation revealed that criminals were reusing original packaging and altering batch details to sell fake life-saving drugs to vulnerable patients.
Why it matters
The proliferation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals in medical hubs poses a severe threat to public health, particularly for cancer patients who rely on the efficacy of high-cost, life-saving treatments.
Rajkumari and Darshan, both in their mid-30s and from Jharkhand, are leaving Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after a check-up. They pause to collect themselves before navigating the medical stores outside. Rajkumari hangs on to her husband, who lugs an oversized bag that weighs him down. They have been given a list of medicines to buy.
Rajkumari was diagnosed with blood cancer about 10 months ago and referred to AIIMS for treatment. Since then, the couple has spent a large part of its savings on medicines, travel, and staying in Delhi. Darshan says he has sold their land to keep paying for the medicines.
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