Rituximab, a vital anti-cancer drug, plays a crucial role in treating lymphatic system cancers.

However, recent revelations have exposed fraudulent production related to this medication, along with another drug, human immunoglobulin.

These spurious medicines were surreptitiously administered to patients through the medical supply department.

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwellama publicly acknowledged that the human immunoglobulin contained saline or an unidentified liquid.

News 1st investigations revealed that on October 12 of last year, Rituximab was administered as a counterfeit drug

Shockingly, both the questionable Rituximab and Human Immunoglobulin were produced by the same company: Isolez Biotech Pharma

Cancer experts emphasize that authentic Rituximab can significantly enhance the survival rate of cancer patients, potentially increasing it by approximately 15 percent.

In light of recent developments, it has been definitively established that the medication supplied by Isolez Biotech Pharma is indeed counterfeit.

The issue came to light during testing of other medications produced by the same company, specifically related to human immunoglobulin.

During a recent court session, Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama presented several critical facts regarding the spurious anti-cancer drug Rituximab. 

Prior to this, Rituximab had undergone testing at the National Cancer Institute.

The report from the institute revealed a glaring absence: the anti-cancer monoclonal protein was conspicuously missing from this fraudulent medicine.

Regrettably, this counterfeit medication has been administered to cancer patients. 

The substandard Rituximad medication was procured in haste.

Advise was given to produce this drug citing its scarcity— either because it is out of stock or unavailable through the medical supplies division.

This sudden urgency inadvertently favored the fraudulent company Isolez Biotech Pharma, which promised swift delivery of Rituximab within a five-day window.

The procurement process hinges on tenders, and Isolase Biotech secured the order by positioning itself as an urgent solution.

On November 30, 2022, the company was entrusted with supplying 2250 doses of this critical vaccine.

An “urgent need” implies that the drug is in critically short supply, leaving the medical supply department without sufficient stock for even a single month. 

However, recent revelations have exposed a continuous stream of Rituximab to the Medical Supplies Division, even when the drug was being purchased from this company.

Remarkably, the national requirement for this specialized medication stands at 750 vials per month. 

By October 13, 2022, a staggering 3500 doses of Rituximab had already been received—equivalent to a four-month supply.

The perplexing disappearance of stock within a mere month and a half raises serious concerns.

Notably, on December 14, 2022, a substantial 5076 doses of vaccines were received.

However, as of January 5, the requirement stood at 4474 vials for the next six months.

The alarming twist lies in the fact that instead of the critically needed Rituximab, a counterfeit medicine was administered, resulting in an exorbitant expenditure exceeding Rs 100 million.

The exact amount is Rs. 179 million.

But can the damage be quantified solely in monetary terms? 

This transcends mere finances—it is a matter of human lives.

What fate befell the patients who unwittingly received this spurious medication? 

Has a thorough investigation been conducted? 

Is there any information regard that?

The issue now rests before the court, with former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and ten others, including the owner of the fraudulent company, currently in remand.

Charges have been filed in relation to public property.

Shouldn't immediate action be taken to unveil the perpetrators behind this grave offense, ensuring justice and safeguarding the lives of our citizens, by following a comprehensive inquiry, grounded in scientific investigation?