Is Your Medicine Real? One Scan Could Save Your Life
In a major step to combat the growing threat of counterfeit and spurious medicines, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has made it mandatory for pharmaceutical companies to print or affix QR codes on the packaging labels of select drugs.
Hyderabad: In a major step to combat the growing threat of counterfeit and spurious medicines, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has made it mandatory for pharmaceutical companies to print or affix QR codes on the packaging labels of select drugs. This move empowers the general public to verify the authenticity of medicines directly at the point of purchase.
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QR Codes Now Mandatory on 300 Top-Selling Drug Brands
Since August 1, 2023, the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) has enforced the rule requiring QR codes on the top 300 most popular formulations and branded medicines. These QR codes contain essential drug-related information that helps identify whether a drug is genuine or spurious.
How the Public Can Use QR Codes to Detect Counterfeit Medicines
The Telangana State Drug Control Administration (TSDCA) has urged consumers, pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare stakeholders to scan the QR codes using mobile apps to verify details like:
- Manufacturer’s name
- Batch number
- Manufacturing and expiry date
- License number
- Unique product identification code
Discrepancies between the scanned information and the packaging label may indicate a counterfeit drug.
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Public Urged to Report Suspicious Medicines Immediately
In a public advisory, TSDCA Director General Shahnawaz Qasim stated:
“Checking QR codes will help curb the menace of spurious/counterfeit drugs in the market and protect the health and safety of citizens. Consumers should report any mismatched or missing QR codes to our department.”
Consumers can report suspicious medicines by:
- Calling the TSDCA Toll-Free Number: 1800 599 6969 (Operational 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM on working days)
- Visiting the official website: https://dca.telangana.gov.in
- Contacting local Drugs Inspectors or Assistant Directors (ADs) whose details are listed on the website
A Step Towards Safer Healthcare in India
This initiative is seen as a landmark move to increase transparency and consumer safety in the Indian pharmaceutical supply chain. As Hyderabad remains a major pharmaceutical hub, local enforcement agencies are encouraging wider awareness and compliance among both retailers and consumers.
