*Available information indicates QR codes have not yet appeared * This information applies to India only * Doctors advice to avoid online discounted deals.
New Delhi | India will make QR-code tracking mandatory for all cancer drugs by July 2027 after police uncovered a racket selling fake Keytruda inside top Delhi-NCR hospitals.
The 2024 case, investigated by The Indian Express and ICIJ, revealed that empty Keytruda vials were stolen from hospitals, refilled with antifungal medicine or water, and sold to patients at “discount” rates.
The racket
Delhi Police arrested 17 people, including hospital and pharmacy staff from Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, Fortis and others. Accused allegedly bought empty vials for ₹3,000-₹6,000, refilled them and sold them for ₹40,000-₹90,000. Genuine Keytruda costs ₹1.5-2 lakh per vial.
Over 140 fake vials worth ₹4 crore were seized. Eight patients were identified as receiving counterfeit injections, one of whom died. Victims included patients from Uzbekistan and J&K. Police said batch numbers on seized vials matched hospital records.
Keytruda Pembrolizumab is made by MSD India and used for lung cancer, melanoma and other cancers. A 6-month course costs nearly 8 years of an average Indian’s income, making it a prime target for counterfeiters.
Govt action
India’s Health Ministry ordered all cancer drugs sold in India, including imported Keytruda, to carry QR codes/barcodes by July 2027 to track them from factory to patient.Company response.
Company response
MSD India runs a Patient Access Program for affordable treatment but has not issued a public statement on the scam. Experts say patients should buy only through hospital pharmacies with prescriptions.
Doctors warn patients to avoid “discount” deals on IndiaMART or WhatsApp and to verify batch numbers until QR tracking begins.
Australia information
The above story/report is for India only.
Keytruda in Australia costs A$ 25.00 per script for buyers & A$ 7.70 per script for those with concession cards under the APBS. Both rates are subsidised. Info- https://www.pbs.gov.au/browse/medicine-listing
Note- The factual material above is for information only and intended in public interest. All views on the issue have been incorporated and any new information will be used to update the report.
