Reportedly it is learnt that amid the increasing incidents of counterfeit or fake medicines in the market, anti-cancer drugs may soon require mandatory QR codes and track-and-trace mechanisms. Perhaps submitted by the expert panel Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the drug regulatory agency Central drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is considering a proposal for bringing in a ‘track and trace mechanism’ for oncology products by providing bar codes or QR codes.
Meanwhile india already runs a system where the top-selling 300 medicine brands including Shelcal, Calpol, Dolo, Allegra and Meftal Spas, carry QR or bar codes to verify their authenticity. The move, which was introduced in 2023, aimed at weeding sub-standard and counterfeit medicines out of the system.
Moreover according to the minutes of the meeting of DTAB, seen by News18, the panel of experts was apprised of the increasing incidents of fake oncology drugs. The minutes mention an instance stating “in New delhi where unscrupulous criminals in collusion with hospital pharmacies were found refilling empty vials of expensive anti-cancer medicines with counterfeit drugs. These fake drugs were then mixed with genuine stocks and sold to unsuspecting cancer patients and putting their life at risk.”
Furthermore the experts opined that these anti-cancer drugs must be issued under strict directives to implement “mandatory QR codes and rigorous track and trace mechanisms on every vial and strip of medication that are marketed in India.” The panel has proposed that Schedule H2 of drugs Rules, 1945 may be amended to include all anti-cancer medicines to have a mandatory provision to print or affix bar code or quick response code on its labels. Under Schedule H2, the chemist cannot dispense the medicine unless he keeps a copy of the prescription with themselves hence, keeping proof of dispensing the drug.
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