Jharkhand Mandates QR Codes for Essential Medicines to Combat Counterfeit Drugs

Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari has announced a new regulation requiring all essential medicines in the state to carry QR codes, aiming to curb the sale of counterfeit drugs. The initiative is expected to enhance transparency and ensure consumer safety by providing verifiable information about medicines.  

 

Key Measures Introduced  

- QR Code Requirement: Painkillers, vitamin supplements, diabetes control medicines, contraceptive pills, thyroid medications, and other essential drugs will not be sold without a QR code.  

- Consumer Protection: Scanning the QR code will provide details such as the manufacturing license, batch number, and expiry date, helping consumers verify authenticity.  

- Regulatory Enforcement: Medical shops found selling unregistered medicines or operating without proper licenses will face immediate closure and cancellation of their permits.  

 

Strengthening Drug Safety and Testing  

- Crackdown on Fake Medicines: The QR code system is designed to act as a barrier between genuine and counterfeit drugs, reducing health risks for consumers.  

- Expansion of Testing Labs: Drug testing laboratories will be established in Dumka, Jamshedpur, and Palamu to ensure medicine quality.  

- Food Safety Measures: The government will also set up food testing labs to check adulteration in food products sold in malls, hotels, and restaurants.  

 

Future Outlook  

The QR code mandate is expected to significantly improve drug safety and consumer confidence in Jharkhand. With stricter enforcement and enhanced testing facilities, the state aims to eliminate counterfeit medicines and ensure public health security.  

 

Source: The New Indian Express, Live Hindustan, Informal Newz.