Govt mandates QR codes on vaccines, cancer drugs to curb counterfeit medicines

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has expanded its QR code-based drug tracking system to cover vaccines, antimicrobials, anti-cancer medicines, and narcotic and psychotropic substances. The move aims to strengthen the safety, quality and integrity of India's pharmaceutical supply chain. Under the revised rules, these categories must carry a barcode or QR code on their packaging.