Govt shortlists top 300 drug brands to introduce QR codes

India's drug pricing authority has shortlisted the top 300 brands of drugs including widely used analgesics, pain relievers, anti-platelet, vitamin supplements, blood-sugar lowering medicines and contraceptive tablets which will have to put QR codes to their packages, in a bid to ensure authenticity and enable tracing.

The brands identified by the National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA) include Dolo, Saridon Fabiflu, Ecosprin, Limcee, Sumo, Calpol, Corex syrup, Unwanted 72 and Thyronorm.

They have been shortlisted on the basis of their moving annual turnover value as per data from market research firm Pharmatrac.

The list has been sent to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare which will make necessary amendments to the drugs rules. The ministry had in March asked the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) to shortlist the top 300 drugs so that we can incorporate the same in the draft notification and make necessary amendments in the drugs rules for its implementation, said a senior government official.