Bhopal: Preparations are now underway to stop fake medicines in government hospitals in Madhya Pradesh. The government has implemented a new system to bring transparency in drug supply. Under this, a barcode or QR code will now be mandatory on the packaging of medicines included in the Essential Drug List (EDL) supplied to government hospitals in the state.
This will enable patients, doctors, and hospitals to check whether the medicine is genuine or fake. This step is important because the state has an annual drug trade of approximately 10,000 crore rupees, and despite less than one percent of fake medicines being found, there remains a significant threat to patient safety.
Now, no medicine can be supplied to government hospitals without a barcode.
Madhya Pradesh Public Health Service Corporation Limited (MPPHC) has issued new conditions for medicines supplied to government hospitals in the state. Now, any company supplying medicines will compulsorily have to provide a QR code and barcode on the packaging.
As soon as this code is scanned, complete information about the medicine’s name, manufacturing company, manufacturing date, batch number, license details, and expiry date will immediately appear on the mobile. This system is currently being implemented on more than 500 essential medicines.
According to the Health Department, this system will be implemented in all hospitals and medicine supply centers of the state in the coming time.
Attempt to curb fake medicines Despite the reduced trade of fake medicines in the state, its impact is significant. Some pharma gangs are making packaging similar to original brands and selling medicines through e-pharmacy and online channels. Barcoding will end this game, as now medicine packaging can be scanned and checked even at the hospital level.
According to experts, so far about 1% of the medicines found in the state have been fake or in incorrect packaging. In such a situation, the barcoding system will ensure patient safety as well as determine the accountability of medical stores and hospitals.
Old medicines will remain valid The government has also clarified that medicines whose packaging already exists without a barcode can be used for a specified period. After this, all old medicines will be phased out from the market.
New system for government hospitals The state government’s goal is to implement this system in district hospitals, medical colleges, and health centers of all districts before the next financial year. For this, notices have already been sent to pharmaceutical companies and suppliers.
