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Fake Drugs Foiled: QR Codes Track Every Unit
26 Jun
Summary
- QR codes will soon track all vaccines, cancer, and addictive medicines.
- New packaging rules take effect by July 2027 and July 2028.
- This initiative aims to curb counterfeit drugs and enhance regulatory oversight.
India is implementing a comprehensive QR-code based tracking system for pharmaceuticals. Manufacturers of vaccines, antimicrobials, addictive medicines, and cancer drugs will be required to affix unique QR codes on their product packaging. This initiative aims to provide granular traceability for each drug unit, enabling regulators to monitor their complete journey from production to the market.
The new packaging regulations are set to be phased in over the next two years. Vaccines, narcotics, and anticancer drugs must comply by July 2027, while antimicrobials will follow by July 2028. This advanced tracking mechanism is already in use for the top 300 medicine brands, significantly reducing opportunities for counterfeit drugs to infiltrate the market.
The QR codes will contain essential information, including the manufacturer's details, manufacturing and expiry dates, and batch numbers, in addition to a unique identification number for each unit. Specialized platforms will verify the drug's journey, strengthening regulatory oversight and combating spurious medicines. This measure is also crucial for the national fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
The government has provided a sufficient implementation period to allow companies to exhaust existing stock before the new packaging becomes mandatory. This move is particularly significant in addressing issues like the refilling of expensive cancer drug vials with less potent substances, as previously highlighted by investigations.
