A major health alert has been issued in Karachi after the Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory declared nine cancer medicines as substandard, fake, and unregistered following a detailed investigation. Authorities have initiated action against those responsible for distributing the medicines.
According to Director Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory Syed Adnan Rizvi, the investigation began after laboratory testing revealed serious quality concerns. The findings showed that some of the cancer medicines did not contain the required active pharmaceutical ingredients, while others lacked valid registration from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
Health officials warned that counterfeit and substandard cancer medicines pose a significant threat to patients because ineffective drugs can delay proper treatment, allow the disease to progress, and reduce the chances of recovery.
Rizvi also expressed concern over prescription practices, alleging that some oncologists mention specific pharmacies on prescriptions, which may limit patients’ choices and raise questions about transparency in the medicine supply chain. He emphasized the need for stricter oversight and accountability throughout the pharmaceutical distribution system.
Cancer medicines require the highest standards of quality and safety because they are used in life-saving treatments. Medical experts have repeatedly stressed that fake or unregistered medicines can have serious health consequences for patients undergoing chemotherapy and other critical therapies.
The Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory’s findings have renewed concerns about medicine quality control in Pakistan. Authorities are expected to trace the source of the counterfeit medicines, identify those involved in their manufacture and distribution, and take legal action where necessary.
Health officials have advised patients to purchase medicines only from authorized pharmacies, verify DRAP registration, and immediately report any suspicious medicines to the relevant authorities.
