Despite being life-saving, cancer drugs can turn deadly when contaminated or improperly manufactured - a growing concern in low- and middle-income countries. These unsafe drugs reach patients due to lax regulatory oversight, inadequate testing facilities, and weak enforcement of quality standards. While pharmaceutical companies are responsible for maintaining sterility and safety, the system often fails to catch violations in time.

Countries like the U.K. have robust mechanisms, including stringent batch testing, GMP compliance audits, and active recall systems, managed by the MHRA. In contrast, many developing nations lack the labs, staff, and funding to thoroughly inspect drugs before they’re dispensed.

When contaminated drugs - especially chemotherapy agents - are administered, they can cause infections, toxic reactions, and in some cases, death. In 2024, the WHO intervened after a batch of tainted methotrexate led to multiple fatalities among children in Africa. The organisation has since ramped up efforts to train regulators and support international surveillance.

Ultimately, the problem reflects a global health gap where the poorest patients often pay the highest price.