The Drugs Control Department, Government of NCT of Delhi on June 01, 2026, issued an Advisory for record maintenance and safe disposal of empty containers (vials) of anti-cancer drugs to prevent their misuse, resale, and counterfeiting.
The advisory directs oncology specialty hospitals and other stakeholders to strengthen safeguards against counterfeiting, diversion, and illegal resale of life-saving anti-cancer drugs, particularly high-value immunotherapeutic agents. Hospitals shall procure medicines only from authorized and licensed suppliers, maintain purchase invoices, batch numbers, supplier details and vial-wise records of receipt, administration, stock balance and wastage, and verify drug authenticity through manufacturer verification systems or barcodes. Used empty vials and ampoules shall be rendered unusable immediately after use and disposed of in accordance with the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, without discarding or handing over intact containers. Hospitals are also advised to implement internal controls, periodic audits and surveillance where feasible to prevent pilferage or diversion, and promptly report suspected counterfeit drugs or other illegal activities to the Drugs Control Department while cooperating with regulatory authorities.
[Notification No. - DCD-15019/8/2026-EB-DRUGS CONTROL DEPARTMENT]
