Government has a new mandate for chemists across the country. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSO) has directed drug licensing authorities in all states and Union territories across India to ensure that a designated Quick Response (QR) code and toll-free number are displayed at all retail and wholesale pharmacies. This QR Code and Toll-free number is aimed to help people report side-effects of medicines. This measure will facilitate seamless reporting of adverse events and adverse drug reactions by the public and healthcare professionals through the indigenous PvPI Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System, the CDSCO said. The decision was taken during the 16th Working Group Meeting of the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India in June this year. Senior officials see this as a major shift in how India tracks harmful drug events, which often go unreported. This means by simply scanning the QR Code, customers and healthcare professionals can report any adverse drug reaction — from rashes and dizziness to swelling, nausea or more serious complications — straight into ADRMS (Adverse drug reaction monitoring system).

What the CDSO circular says

In a circular issued to drug licensing authorities of states and Union Territories, the CDSCO said, “All state drug licensing authorities and Union territory drug licensing authorities shall ensure the display of the designated QR Code at a prominent location within every retail and wholesale pharmacy premises across the country.”Additionally, the circular said that toll-free number of 1800-180-3024 should also be clearly displayed with the QR Code at each pharmacy store. “It is therefore requested to initiate immediate action for implementation of the instructions within your jurisdiction. Kindly ensure wide dissemination among all license holders and monitor strict compliance with these directives to promote drug safety and protect public health,” the circular added.The CDSCO has reportedly asked states to begin immediate implementation, widely disseminate instructions to all licence holders and closely monitor compliance. Regulators see the new signage as a simple but powerful tool to build a culture of reporting, strengthen oversight and make medicines safer for everyone.