By Ceylon Signal 
A critical shortage of a vital cancer‑care medication has placed tens of thousands of patients in Sri Lanka at severe risk, according to Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, President of the Association of Medical Specialists on Human and Civil Rights.
The drugs — commonly known as Neup, Neupogen, GCadF, and Filgastrin — are essential for boosting immunity and increasing white blood cell counts in patients undergoing chemotherapy. These injections are administered immediately after primary cancer treatment to prevent life‑threatening infections.
Dr. Sanjeewa warns that around 25,000 cancer patients each month depend on these medications. With the current disruption, more than 75,000 patients could face serious danger over the next three months.
Labeling Error Blocks Release of Imported Stock
The crisis stems from a regulatory dispute. The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) had issued clear instructions requiring specific labeling on the imported drug. However, the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) reportedly approved the shipment without the mandatory label, resulting in the Medical Supplies Division refusing to accept the stock.
“This problem arose because the SPC did not provide proper guidance at the outset,” Dr. Sanjeewa said. “If they had followed NMRA instructions, this mistake would not have occurred.”
He noted that a similar issue surfaced during former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella’s tenure, when a controversial batch of immunoglobulin was imported without proper labeling. Since then, the Medical Supplies Division has adopted stricter scrutiny when accepting medicines.
100,000 Doses Stuck in Warehouses
Nearly 100,000 doses of the drug have already been imported, but remain locked in storage due to the unresolved labeling dispute. Meanwhile, the shortage has triggered a surge in black‑market activity.
A dose that normally costs Rs. 900 is now being sold for around Rs. 25,000, Dr. Sanjeewa said, adding that even at that inflated price, the drug is often impossible to find.
Call for Immediate Intervention
Dr. Sanjeewa urged the Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Institute, and specialist hematology institutions to convene urgently and resolve the issue.
“This is a drug that directly increases white blood cell counts and protects cancer patients from infections. Lives are at stake. The responsible authorities must come together immediately to release the stock and restore normal supply,” he stressed.