A doctors' union has raised alarm over approximately 160,000 vials of a critical cancer treatment drug stranded at state medical stores due to a labeling dispute between regulatory authorities, potentially affecting tens of thousands of patients.
The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors has reported that a significant shipment of cancer medication remains inaccessible at the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) due to an administrative disagreement with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). According to the union, the hold-up concerns a labeling issue on the reverse side of syringes, despite the drug packaging containing all required information including manufacturing dates, expiry dates, and verified quality indicators.
The drug in question is used monthly by approximately 25,000 patients to strengthen their immune systems following chemotherapy. The union claims that resolving the labeling issue would require sending the stock back to the manufacturer, a process that could take at least three months. During this period, the union warns that up to 75,000 cancer patients could face serious health risks due to medication shortages.
The supply crunch has created severe market distortions, with the medication reportedly selling on the black market for more than Rs. 25,000, compared to its standard value of approximately Rs. 900. However, even at these inflated prices, the drug remains difficult to obtain. The union has called for immediate intervention from the Health Minister, requesting an emergency meeting with health officials, oncologists, and hematologists to resolve the regulatory impasse and release the stranded medication to patients.
The situation highlights coordination failures between state institutions during a public health crisis affecting vulnerable patient populations dependent on continuous treatment.
