Soon, medicines to come with QR code to check sale of fake drugs

According to reports, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that around 35 percent of fake drugs sold globally come from India.

“All preparations have been done and the move is likely to be implemented within the next few weeks,” News18.com reported quoting a government official privy to the development.

The official said that as the move is mandatory and that the government was discussing if select medicines should be barcoded in the first phase followed by the entire pharma industry later.

The official added that the government would soon release a list of top selling 300 brands which will first adopt the QR or barcode mandate.

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Earlier, the health ministry had asked the department of pharmaceuticals to enlist 300 drug brands for the implementation of mandatory QR codes. Following the instructions, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) identified the list of 300 drugs which are used for blood sugar, hypertension, painkillers, contraceptives and vitamins.

According to the industry, implementation of the QR code may push prices up by 3-4 percent, The Times of India reported.