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Maharashtra's Digital Drug Watch: Rs 100 Cr Plan
20 Feb
Summary
- Maharashtra proposes a statewide drug track and trace system.
- The system requires initial funding of ₹26.50 crore.
- It aims to digitally monitor medicines across the entire supply chain.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a comprehensive "Track and Trace" system to the central government to digitally monitor medicines across the state's supply chain. This initiative aims to combat the rising threat of counterfeit and spurious drugs, spurred by recent large-scale seizures in various cities and a tragic incident in Madhya Pradesh last October. The proposed system, estimated to cost ₹100 crore in total, requires an initial funding of ₹26.50 crore, with the state government planning to cover annual maintenance costs.
The digital platform will facilitate end-to-end tracking of pharmaceuticals using QR codes, enabling batch-level monitoring and real-time data dashboards. It will also provide mobile applications for field inspectors and issue alerts for suspicious activities or necessary recalls. The system is designed to track inter-state drug movements, thereby curbing unauthorized circulation of fake medicines. This move represents a significant step towards enhancing transparency and public health safeguards in Maharashtra's pharmaceutical sector.
