In India, a burgeoning black market for counterfeit Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug used to treat cancer, has emerged, posing significant risks to patients. An investigation by The Indian Express and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) revealed that desperate families, unable to afford the official price of over ₹1.5 lakh (approximately $1,800 USD) per vial, purchased fake versions of the drug, often filled with antifungal medication. The investigation traced counterfeit sales back to a network involving hospital staff, including pharmacists and nursing team leaders, who diverted genuine vials and sold them at discounted prices. Notably, batch numbers from counterfeit drugs matched those administered to patients in hospitals, indicating serious lapses in oversight. Patients have reported severe health declines after using these counterfeit medications, with one case leading to a patient's death. The scandal underscores the urgent need for improved regulatory measures and hospital protocols to protect vulnerable patients from being exploited in their search for affordable cancer treatments.