Bhopal: In a landmark move aimed at eradicating counterfeit drugs and bolstering public health safety, Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to implement a comprehensive barcode system for all medicines. This cutting-edge system, which provides a wealth of information to consumers and regulators upon scanning, is a direct and forceful response by the state government following a recent high-profile cough syrup scandal that rocked the nation.
Barcodes will be affixed to 1,200 types of medicines supplied to government hospitals in Madhya Pradesh. The company itself will perform the coding, which has been named the GS1 system. The scanning system will reveal all the information on the barcode, including each medicine’s batch number, date of supply, hospital delivery, available stock, and distribution and remaining stock. This barcode implementation is not just an upgrade; it’s a non-negotiable step toward zero tolerance for counterfeit drugs.
It’s worth noting that some pharmaceutical companies are selling medicines through e-pharmacies and online, using packaging similar to the original brand. In response, a barcoding system is being implemented to curb counterfeit medicines. According to the Health Department, this system will be implemented in all hospitals and drug supply centers in the state in the near future.
While the pharmaceutical industry may face initial logistical challenges in adopting the new technology, the long-term benefits—increased trust, reduced recall risks, and a safer public—are expected to outweigh the costs. Madhya Pradesh’s pioneering move sets a significant benchmark, urging other states and the central government to consider similar measures to safeguard the nation’s drug supply against the persistent threat of counterfeiting.
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