Protect yourself by verifying medicines with QR codes

Public can now ascertain the quality of drugs by checking out the QR code on the product packaging itself

Hyderabad: Did you know that while purchasing medicines from a medical shop, you can check whether the drug is spurious or counterfeit? Yes, the general public can now ascertain the quality of drugs by checking out the QR code on the product packaging itself.

With Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issuing a notification making it mandatory for drug companies to print/affix QR codes on their packaging labels of drugs, the general public now has the facility to independently verify the spurious or counterfeit nature of medicines.

The mandatory QR codes, which have been enforced and regulated by Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) since August 1, 2023, will enable the general public to be proactive and alert Telangana State Drug Control Administration (TSDCA), so that they can take action.

In its advisory on spurious drugs, the TSDCA has urged the public, hospitals, pharmacies and even other stakeholders in the public healthcare to use the Barcode/QR Code before purchasing or during administration.

“Checking QR codes will help curb the menace of spurious/counterfeit drugs in the market and protect the health and safety of citizens. We are also encouraging consumers to report any suspicious or unverified drug products lacking proper Bar Code/QR Code labelling or those displaying mismatched details to us,” DG, TSDCA, Shahnawaz Qasim in a press release said.

General public should also note that mandatory QR codes by MOHFW are required for 300 most popular medical formulations and brands, which are manufactured on or after August 1, 2023.

“Information regarding suspected spurious drugs can be reported to the officials of TSDCA either through their contact numbers or toll-free number. In case of suspicion that a product is fake or spurious, people can report to the local Drugs Inspector or the AD, DCA, whose contact numbers/office addresses are available on https://dca.telangana.gov.in/. People can also call 1800 599 6969 between 10.30 am and 5 pm on all working days.